Deep-sea mysteries - A 5-week research mission in the Atlantic | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Deep Sea Biodiversity: The variety of life found in the deep ocean, largely unexplored and potentially threatened.
• Box Core Sampling: A method of collecting sediment samples from the seabed using a weighted tube.
• Saharan Dust Fertilization: The hypothesis that dust from the Sahara Desert influences deep sea ecosystems.
• Hydrothermal Vents/Manganese Crusts: Geological features on the seabed potentially supporting unique ecosystems.
• Chief Scientist Responsibilities: Coordinating research, managing personnel, and adapting to challenges during an oceanographic expedition.
• Operational Challenges at Sea: Dealing with equipment malfunctions, weather conditions, and logistical difficulties during long-duration expeditions.

Expedition Meteor: A Deep Sea Research Voyage Across the Atlantic

Introduction

The German research vessel Meteor embarked on a five-week expedition across the Atlantic Ocean, led by chief scientist Tobin Reel, with a crew of 50 individuals. The primary goal was to explore the largely uncharted deep sea environment, collect samples, and investigate biodiversity at depths exceeding 5,000 meters. The expedition faced numerous logistical and technical challenges, highlighting the complexities of deep sea research.

Preparation and Departure

Prior to departure, the research team prepared nine tons of equipment for shipment to the Canary Islands. The expedition route spanned from the Canary Islands to Fortaleza, Brazil, with no planned stops or shore leave. Tobin Reel emphasized the unique nature of the mission, stating, “It’s special. No breaks, no shore leave. You'll be in the middle of the ocean seeing very few other ships, nowhere near any shipping routes.” He acknowledged the significant responsibility of coordinating 28 scientists and integrating theoretical research plans into practical execution. The emotional impact of the extended absence on family was also noted, with Reel expressing concerns about his two-year-old son’s reaction to his return. The Meteor cast off with a journey of approximately 5,000 km ahead.

Life Aboard the Meteor

Life aboard the Meteor involved adapting to the ship’s constant motion, establishing routines, and navigating the confined living spaces. Most team members shared cabins, while Reel had a private cabin, described as “massive compared to the others.” The ship’s crew, led by the captain, maintained the vessel and ensured safe passage. The captain recounted a past encounter with a massive wave that damaged containers, illustrating the power of the ocean and the ship’s resilience. Regular emergency drills were conducted, recognizing the remoteness of the location and the limited availability of external assistance. Dr. Thomas Kuhn, the ship’s doctor, addressed a range of medical issues, from seasickness to more serious concerns, emphasizing the self-sufficiency required during the expedition.

Initial Research Deployments & Challenges

The initial research phase focused on deploying a 600 kg sample collection sled to gather organisms from the seabed. This process proved challenging due to choppy seas and an encounter with an obstruction, causing a significant delay of 12 hours. The captain had to be prepared to halt the ship immediately to prevent the towing cable from breaking. Upon retrieval, the samples were immediately chilled to preserve DNA for later analysis. Lab assistant Nicoy Gatsamaya meticulously photographed the collected specimens, noting the surprisingly high biodiversity despite the seemingly monotonous seabed.

Deep Sea Camera Deployment & Unexpected Discoveries

To further investigate the seabed, a deep sea camera was deployed to a depth of 5 km. The live footage revealed a landscape initially appearing monotonous, but quickly revealed unexpected features. “No way. What’s that? Those are rocks, man,” exclaimed a researcher upon observing angular, hard formations, potentially manganese crusts. This discovery challenged the prevailing assumption of a uniformly sediment-covered seabed and suggested a more complex habitat structure. Tobin Reel theorized that these features create turbulence and influence sediment composition, leading to specific adaptations and increased biodiversity. He stated, “Turns out the habitat isn't as monotonous as we thought.”

Supporting Research: Dust Analysis & Weather Data Collection

Alongside seabed sampling, the team conducted supporting research. Geologists Mandy Hoffman and Andreas Gatna investigated the influence of Saharan dust on deep sea ecosystems, hypothesizing an indirect fertilization effect through near-surface marine life. They climbed the ship’s mast daily to collect dust samples using adhesive traps, facing challenges with wind and rain. A meteorologist launched helium balloons equipped with probes to gather weather data, initially using a standard balloon but later improvising with a stronger fishing line after an initial failure. The successful retrieval of the balloon with dust samples demonstrated the team’s ingenuity and adaptability.

Equipment Malfunctions & Maintaining Morale

The expedition encountered repeated failures with the box core sampler, resulting in six out of seven attempts yielding empty samples. This led to frustration among the team and required Tobin Reel to adjust the operation schedule and maintain morale. He acknowledged the difficulty of keeping the team motivated during long hours and irregular sleep patterns, stating, “It’s a challenge that’s giving me sleepless nights.” The team addressed the box core issue by adjusting the cable run to reduce side load, and ultimately achieved a successful sample collection.

Technological Innovation & Data Analysis

To enhance data analysis, Maya Graange Ralph utilized the ship’s X-ray machine to analyze sediment samples, transmitting images directly to Yale University for further study. This allowed for the visualization of organisms burrowing within the sediment, providing insights into their behavior and distribution.

Return to Civilization & Future Implications

After five weeks at sea, the Meteor reached Fortaleza, Brazil. Tobin Reel expressed anticipation for reuniting with his family, while acknowledging the potential for his son to be hesitant upon his return. The expedition yielded a container full of samples for further analysis in Germany. Reel emphasized the urgency of deep sea research, noting that an estimated 90% of deep sea species remain unknown and are threatened by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. He concluded that the mission was a success despite the difficulties, but that the real work of understanding and protecting this fragile ecosystem had just begun.

Key Technical Terms:

• Box Core: A sampling device used to collect undisturbed sediment samples from the seafloor.
• Hydrothermal Vents: Geothermal vents on the ocean floor that release heated water and chemicals.
• Manganese Crusts: Hard, metallic deposits found on the seafloor, potentially harboring unique ecosystems.
• Sediment: Accumulated organic and inorganic matter that settles on the seafloor.
• Towing Tension: The force exerted on a cable during a deployment, used to monitor for obstructions.
• Postdoctoral Associate: A researcher who has completed a doctorate and is gaining further research experience.