Sampling ocean, seep, and hot-spring fluids in the deep sea
During this expedition, as the R/V Thompson transits from near
shore to blue water environments, we will be sampling at depths
of <500 to >2500 m to investigate the chemistry of ocean water.
Specific sites include those off Grays Harbor, Washington,
Newport, Oregon, Hydrate Ridge, and Axial Seamount. Fluid
samples will be obtained using niskin bottles on a rosette on a
conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) frame. These samples will
be filtered to study microorganisms (archaea and bacteria) in
different marine environments. Fluids will also be analyzed
using a shipboard in situ flow cytometer that allows analyses
and rapid sorting of individual organisms. The Thompson is the
only ship in the UNOLS fleet that currently hosts this
capability. Hydrate Ridge: Methane-rich fluids at Hydrate Ridge
will be sampled using titanium "syringes" and niskin bottles
with the robotic vehicle Jason. Here, the methane-rich fluids
with less sulfide support dense mats of