Deep Ocean Expeditions

Please note there is currently no expedition scheduled to the Azores hydrothermal vents. For further information on future Azores expeditions please contact info@deepoceanexpeditions.com
In Conjunction with The P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.

Journey To The Rainbow Vents
Undersea volcanoes and hydrothermal vents were unsuspected in 1493 when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Azores fresh from discovering the New World.

Centuries later, scientists studying the sea floor along the mid Atlantic Ocean made another 'new world' discovery: a 40,000-mile (12,500km) long subsurface mountain ridge that encircles the earth. The ridges' peaks reach out of the ocean at the Azores archipelago. Here, the planets crust was reforming. Fuelled by volcanic activity, undersea geysers bursting plumes of superheated water from molten rock far below, were the proof. Planet Earth was indeed 'alive'.

This is where our adventure unfolds. Near the Azores, 7,875 feet (2,400m) below the ocean surface, lie the 'Rainbow Vents', a field of tall sediment chimneys in constant eruption mode. Like smokestacks, these billowing 'black smokers' blast minerals several thousand feet up into the cool Atlantic waters. Beyond its geological significance, the site is a biological 'wonderland' of alien marine life. Vast colonies of white crabs, blind shrimps, mussels, clams and ribbony fish populate the deep ocean ecosystem. Without sunlight a process known as chemosynthesis allows the food chain to thrive, sustaining these life forms in full darkness and under tremendous, crushing pressures. The living environment of the vents can be harsh ranging from numbing cold to blistering hot, often only a few feet apart. Some scientists contend that it is here where life on Earth began.

Very few people have ever witnessed the beauty and mystery of these deep-sea geysers up close. Now, adventure travellers will journey to the spectacular Azores, to experience life amid the volcanoes.

Our expedition begins on land, where you'll first explore the lush green valleys surrounding the dormant volcanoes of the islands. Then, you and your fellow travellers will descend to the depths of the sea floor via sophisticated submersibles to view the fascinating hydrothermal vents, and to witness the birthplace of a planet.

Expedition Highlights

Accommodation at good quality hotel in the Ponta Delgada, Azores and aboard the scientific research vessel RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh
A dive to the Rainbow Hydrothermal Vents sites aboard the MIR I or MIR II submersibles
Educational lectures by leading scientists and deep-ocean experts
Participation in on-going deep ocean research
A videotape capturing your dive and the wonders of the Rainbow vents.

azores.pdf ( 304Kb)