SONNE SO206

The 206th cruise of german research vessel SONNE (30.05.-19.06.2010) aims at collecting essential seismic and geochemical data at cold vent sites along the active continental margin off Costa Rica that will improve our knowledge on the subsurface structure of these features and their dewatering mechanisms. The target sites are a mud volcano – like structure (Mound 11/12) and a large-scale slide caused by subducting seamounts (Jaco Scarp) which are also key targets of IODP proposal 633 that aims to enhance the general understanding on complex forearc dewatering processes of an erosive subduction system. In order to approve drilling by IODP essential seismic data are required which enable a high resolution image of the subsurface structures. These seismic data will be collected during the expedition SO 206. In addition we intend to conduct complementary biogeochemical investigations that help to decipher the fluid origin.

Chief scientist ist Dr. Christian Hensen (IFM-GEOMAR, RD2, Marine Geosystems). The expedition starts and ends at the port of Caldera (Costa Rica).