MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research cruise was carried out by the 61 meter R/V Urania  (Fig.8), owned and operated by SO.PRO.MAR. and on long-term lease to CNR.

The boat is normally used for geological, geophysical and oceanographical work in the Mediterranean Sea and adjoining waters, including but not limited to, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.

R/V Urania is equipped with DGPS positioning system, single-beam bathymetry and integrated geophysical and oceanographical data acquisition systems, including ADCP, CHIRP SBP and other Sonar Equipment. Additional equipment such as MBES systems can be accommodated on the keel by sub work.

The survey was planned to carry out the following tasks

• MBES with a high resolution multibeam, capable of investigating the sea bottom down to depths between 2300 and 2500 m,
• SV measurements either by CTD probe or XBTs,
• Magnetic investigations,
• SBP investigation
• Multichannel reflection Seismic
• Water and brine sampling from the Deeps
• Dredging and sediment sampling (core and grab)

In addition to these main operational activities, routine on-the-way measurements (ADCP, meteo, surface C/T, etc) were acquired.

The areas to investigate were :

1. the Conrad Deep
2. the Oceanographer Deep
3. the Thetis Deep
4. the Coral Sea Peak