Brazilian scientific expedition explores Atlantic abyss

A Brazilian-led scientific expedition, named ‘The Gap’, has departed from Fortaleza to explore the Romanche Fracture Zone in the Equatorial Atlantic. Located between the northeast coast of Brazil and the African continent, this submarine formation spans approximately 1,000 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 4,500 meters.

Led by Professor José Angel Perez from the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali) alongside Professor Kerry Howell from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the mission utilizes the research vessel Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The team of 25 specialists from five nationalities will use a rover and an autonomous submarine to map the area and collect rock and biological samples.

A primary objective is to study the relationship between equatorial upwelling—a phenomenon where nutrient-rich cold water rises to the surface—and deep-sea communities. Researchers aim to understand how surface food production influences the seafloor, as well as the potential impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on these fragile ecosystems.