EN731 - USAM Seeps-1

EN731 marks the inaugural expedition of the USAM Seeps project—a multidisciplinary effort designed to study the dynamics of submarine cold seeps along the U.S. Atlantic margin. By combining cutting-edge geochemical, microbiological, geophysical, and geological methods, we aim to pinpoint the origin of seep fluids, trace their migration pathways, and characterize the biogeochemical processes that take place within active seep environments. At the same time, our team is reconstructing how seepage patterns have evolved over time, offering a unique window into past and present carbon-cycle processes.

Throughout this expedition, we collect water-column samples and deploy the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Sentry to generate high-resolution maps of the seafloor, shallow subsurface strata, and gas plumes in the water column. These data will not only reveal hidden fluid pathways and habitat hotspots but also help us understand how modern seepage influences ocean chemistry and local ecosystems.

Digital painting of AUV Sentry by Maddy Lucas, EN731 Expedition Artist