ALKOR AL568

The proposed cruise LIGHTHOUSE-TEST III will test, for the first time, a novel 360°-3D environment scanning technology for remotely operated vehicles in the deep open ocean. The system is being developed at GEOMAR between 2018-2020 as part of approved Helmholtz Validation Fund grant 068 (2.25M€ volume). It will digitally recreate the surroundings of an ROV omnidirectionally, in three dimensions and in real time, and provide the simulation to pilots and mission specialists independently. On this third and final test cruise it will be tested on ROV Phoca at depths around 1000m on four dives. We will test and refine all functionality in long-term operations with special emphasis on real time processing routines. In light of the CORONA-Pandemic, and due to resulting fluctuations in marine operations, the project was extended by one year. In light of the currently massive, even domestic restrictions on travel and logistics, this cruise is the most efficient and medically safe option for the open-water validation of the completed system.
An additional goal will be to collect living jellyfish Periphylla periphylla for on board experiments as part of the funded EU H2020 project iAtlantic (grant agreement No 818123) to investigate the response of pelagic deep-sea fauna to stressors (e.g. the impact of mining plumes). The originally planned land-based JAGO-expedition had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.