Endeavour Survey
In spite of bad weather R/V Atlantis and ROV ROPOS completed this survey phase of possible Endeavour node sites. At a depth of approximately 2200 meters, Endeavour is the second deepest node that will be deployed.
About the Location
Originally planned for a site that turned out to have too many obstacles, a second site was explored about three kilometers north.
The terrain at Site 2 was similar to the original node site. However there were more large holes and ledges present and very few fissures in this area.
Findings
During the site and cable route survey lava pillars and pillow lava were found at the site. Piles of rubble, and similar rough terrain, were also found. Placement of the node would again prove to be difficult in this area. The flatter regions did begin to appear as the cable route was surveyed back toward the main ring. The spur cable was located and found suspended approximately 2 meters above the seabed.
The history of volcanic activity of the region is very evident in the photos (see below). The photos are screen captures from the video survey performed during node operations with Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks by the RV Atlantis and ROPOS.
"Endeavour Site Survey" |
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Site 2 - Area surveyed, ROPOS tracklines in blue.
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Complete survey area. Original Node Site and Site2 selected by Alcatel.
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Lava Pillow
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Lava Pillow
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Crevice under Lava Pillow
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Lava Pillar
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Lava Pillows
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Lava Pillow
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Rubble Pile
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