Life on the Edge
Exploring Deep Ocean Habitats
August 16 - 27, 2003
Located off the Carolinas are unique and productive deep-water habitats (100 to 1,000 m) that are largely unstudied. These areas are the transition zone between the continental shelf and the true deep sea. Two of these habitats, the outer shelf hard grounds and midslope deep coral (Lophelia) banks, were the focus of this expedition. Throughout most of the study area, these habitats are separated by no more than a few kilometers. Despite some physical similarities, however, they seem to be vastly different both in community structure and sea-life interaction. Thus, these reef habitats presented a unique opportunity to compare and contrast closely associated ecosystems.
During this expedition, researchers explored unknown portions of these habitats and defined their faunal composition (the numbers and types of sea life found there). They also collected data to support a proposed Marine Protected Area on the outer continental shelf. Samples were taken throughout the entire water column, using a variety of techniques, to identify the full spectrum of sea life and the associated hydrography (water conditions) in each study area. By collecting data from benthic (bottom) habitats to surface waters, researchers hoped to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that control and differentiate community structures throughout the water column along the gradient of the continental shelf and continental slope.
Background information for this exploration can be found on the left side of the page. Daily updates and logs that summarize expedition activities are posted below and to the right.