Expedition NA011 returned to Kolumbo submarine volcano to experiment with high-resolution mapping techniques, including stereo imaging, structured light, and multibeam mapping. The areas identified for mapping were the inner walls of the Kolumbo crater, which is a technical challenge and required reconfiguration of the mapping sensor suite, and a hydrothermal vent field in the northern quadrant of the crater. The bubbles and high turbidity in this region presented operational challenges during data collection and data processing.
Recent multibeam mapping and seismic profiling in the area revealed evidence of a giant volcanic debris avalanche field and several additional submarine volcanoes. This expedition returned to the area to investigate the surface morphology with high-definition video imaging. Nine Hercules / Argus dives were conducted during this expedition totalling approximately 179 hours on the seafloor.
