Autosub6000 is an autonomously controlled robotic submarine which is going to be used on 2 month-long expeditions to map the Cayman Trough. This lies between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and is formed by the Caribbean tectonic plate moving away from the American plate. Autosub6000 will be used to find volcanic vents on the sea floor. Then a second submarine, Isis, will sample liquid and sediment from around the vents, as well as collecting animal specimens.
The project is being led by Dr. John Copley of the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (NOCS), using the research vessel, the James Cook.
If the researchers find that marine life there is similar to that from around similar vents in other parts of the world’s oceans, it will indicate that ocean currents contribute to the patterns of life by transporting larvae around. If the animals they find are very different, then it will show that the vents are more isolated and independent.
You can read about testing of Autosub6000 from NOCS’ website. And there are more details on the expedition from the BBC.
