Gulf of California 2015, Seafloor Mapping – Log 1 Dave Caress writes: We had hoped to achieve five surveys over the seven-day leg. The planned sites are far apart so we were going to lose a lot of time to transits. After having the AUV snagged on derelict fishing gear for two days, we achieved three surveys, all with high-quality data. Deploying the mapping AUV for the first mission on February 18. This survey will provide context for a benthic biology ROV Ricketts dive by Jim Barry for the seafloor biology leg. Recovering the AUV at the end of the first mission. One-meter resolution topography from the first mapping AUV survey, covering the steep slope east of Cerralvo Island from 400 meters to 1,600 meters deep. Frame grab of GoPro video taken by drone during bottom pressure recorder (BPR) recovery. Drone owned by CICESE and operated by Alejandro Hinojosa. The BPR is used for accurately measuring seafloor elevation. Recovery of mapping AUV after ROV Doc Ricketts on the R/V Western Flyer (in the distance) was used to cut it free from derelict fishing line. Part of the line can be seen still attached to the AUV antenna. The AUV antenna with a groove cut by the fishing line. Deckhand Vincent Nunes holding the line that snagged the AUV while running 50 meters above the seafloor at 800 meters depth. David Caress, Hans Thomas, and Alejandro Hinojosa of CICESE explore the bathymetry of a submarine canyon collected before the AUV was snagged. One-meter resolution topography from the second mapping AUV survey. About two-thirds of the planned survey was accomplished before the AUV was snagged. Share Like this? Share it! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Email