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On the third dive of the expedition, the DEEP SEARCH team discovered thriving Lophelia pertusa reefs in a region further offshore and in deeper water than other known Lophelia reefs in the U.S. Atlantic.

DEEP SEARCH: Mission Summary: What We Have Learned from DEEP SEARCH Expedition AT-41

Although the DEEP SEARCH expedition was relatively short, it was an incredibly successful research expedition. The team learned a lot about the different habitats in the study area between Virginia and Georgia. The information they gathered will help increase understanding of these habitats and their dynamics, from methane flux into the ocean and atmosphere, the life spans of corals, the flow of carbon and nutrients through canyons, and much more.

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Alvin explored Pamlico Canyon off the coast of North Carolina and observed stunning rock walls covered in a diversity of corals.

DEEP SEARCH: What It’s Like to Explore a Deep-sea Canyon for the First Time

In a small space like the Alvin sphere, group selfies become a bit more challenging. Here, Amanda Demopoulos, Jefferson Grau, and Caitlin Adams almost succeeded with their framing...

DEEP SEARCH: Dive Six: What It’s Like to Dive in Alvin for the First Time

Dramatic jets of ice, water vapor and organic compounds spray from the south pole of Saturn's moon Enceladus in this image captured by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in November 2009. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

SUBSEA (Systematic Underwater Biogeochemical Science and Exploration Analog)

About OER

Learn about the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, the nation's only federal organization dedicated to exploring the global ocean.

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Ocean Exploration Funding Opportunity

OER has published its 2019 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Ocean Exploration.

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Data & Results

Access diverse scientific data, video, images, documents, and other information associated with office-supported ocean exploration expeditions.

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For Educators

Find educational materials and professional development opportunities for educators designed to enhance ocean literacy.

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