Brazilian scientific expedition to map Atlantic deep-sea fractures

A Brazilian scientific expedition, titled ‘The Gap’, is departing from Fortaleza to explore and map the Romanche Fracture Zone in the equatorial Atlantic. This submarine formation spans approximately 1,000 kilometers of mountains and valleys located between the Northeast coast of Brazil and the West African continent.

Led by Professor José Angel Perez from the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), the mission will utilize the research vessel Falkor (too) and the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian to map terrain and collect rock and biological samples at depths of up to 4,500 meters. A primary objective is to investigate the relationship between equatorial upwelling—the rise of cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface—and deep-sea biological communities.

Researchers also aim to study current dynamics, habitat morphology, and the potential impacts of climate change, such as ocean acidification and shifting wind patterns, on marine food chains. The findings are intended to provide scientific evidence to support future studies and the establishment of marine preservation areas.