Exploring the biology, geology and history of the Galápagos Platform
Welcome to the Galápagos Deep 2023 Expedition!
We are a NERC and NSF funded oceanographic research expedition onboard the R/V Atlantis using the Alvin submersible to explore the deep seafloor of the Galápagos Platform.
Primary scientific objectives of the expedition:
- Improve the understanding of deep-water biodiversity and geology in Galápagos, building on previous expeditions in the region
- Analyze fossils corals to help reconstruct past climates, as a means to predict future climate- change trends
- Further our understanding of deep water organisms such as cold-water corals, their genetic relationships and species evolution
- Better comprehend how the submerged islands, seamounts, and submarine ridges formed in Galápagos
“Using Alvin to explore the Galápagos Platform is a unique opportunity; one we expect will provide exciting new data, samples and insights to guide more oceanographic research in the Galápagos Islands.”
– Dr. Daniel Fornari, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Expedition PI)
Latest blog posts: Keep up to date with the expedition
WELCOME to Galápagos Deep Expedition 2023!
After several years of planning and a further couple of years of pandemic delays, a research expedition long in the making has finally arrived!…
It’s the first day of science: How did everything go?
First day of science, how exciting! It is a beautiful and warm day with calm waters. Old volcanos in the background and rays jumping out of the water. But everyone’s attention…
Leisure time during Galápagos Deep 2023: Is there a chance to relax?
Hard effort of 24-hour shifts and collaborations between the science team, Alvin team and the crew members gradually become a daily routine. Nevertheless, is there..
“We cannot wait to support efforts to characterize the opulent ecosystems found in Galápagos deep waters using the deep water submersible Alvin“
– Dr. Michelle Taylor, University of Essex (Expedition PI)
Cruise Objectives: What are we out here to do?
Objective #1:
Biology and taxonomy
This expedition is one of the first opportunities to gather visual data complemented by collected specimens from numerous locations around the Galápagos Platform.
Objective #2:
Climate history and corals
On this research expedition, we’ll use corals to study our ocean, climate, and what the future holds for these incredible creatures.
Objective #3:
Geology and volcanism
The results of this research will help us to constrain the constructive history of the Galápagos Platform and archipelago as a whole.
Objective #4:
Community and outreach
As well as the science objectives, this expedition presents the opportunity to communicate the natural history of the Galápagos Islands like never before.
“Deep-sea corals are weird, wacky and wonderful. On this research expedition, we’ll use them to study our ocean, climate, and what the future holds for these incredible creatures”
-University of Bristol, Oceans Past and Present research group
Meet the science team and observers behind the expedition…
Find out more about our ship the R/V Atlantis and the Alvin deep-diving submersible, and also about our onboard crew.
“The expedition is a historical moment for science, conservation and exploration of our oceans in the context of Galápagos and its new marine protected areas…”
– Charles Darwin Foundation, Galápagos, Ecuador
Galápagos Deep 2023 Expedition 