Year 3: April 2013 – May 2013 From Cape Hatteras to Canada, the
continental slope is riddled with deep canyons that link the
continental shelf to the deep sea, serving as pathways for
nutrients, sediments and pollutants,. Little is known about life
in the canyons’ unique habitats. An interdisciplinary team of
researchers will study the canyons, particularly Baltimore and
Norfolk, over a four year period from 2010 – 2014. The results
of this work will help guide the future uses of these ocean
resources, which may include oil exploration, alternative energy
development and intensive fisheries. The work will also assist
in protecting vulnerable canyon habitats, through development of
protected areas such as National Marine Sanctuaries. During the
first cruise, scientists used multibeam sonar to create detailed
maps of nearly 1,400 sq. km of the canyons and surrounding
areas. The multibeam maps helped researchers identify potential
sites for exploration, and the project marine archaeologist
identified nine new sh