Okeanos Explorer (EX1203): Florida Escarpment and Straits Exploration

Vessel: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer; Expedition Dates: May 5 - 23, 2012

Project Principals: Mashkoor Malik, NOAA/OAR/OER (Expedition Coordinator and Mapping Lead)

On Okeanos Explorer mission EX1203, the vessel transited from Galveston, TX to Norfolk, VA. In the Gulf of Mexico, data holidays were filled in and mapping coverages established during EX1105, EX1106, and EX1202 Legs 1, 2, and 3 were expanded. Additionally, EX1203 developed baseline mapping data over Green Canyon, Mississippi Canyon, Desoto Canyon and the West Florida Shelf Deep Reefs. Along the U.S. Atlantic Continental Shelf Break, mapping coverages established during EX1106 and EX1201 were expanded. These data will also benefit the work conducted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management (BOEM) and the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). Focused water column mapping exploration occurred in the vicinity of the Blake Ridge Diapir and Cape Fear Diapir Complex. Bathymetry mapping focused on delineating the 1000 meter isobaths.