Atlantic Ocean expedition to map Romanche Fracture Zone

An international scientific expedition titled ‘The Gap’ is set to investigate the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Led by Professor Angel Perez from the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), the mission involves 25 scientists from five different countries.

The 42-day expedition will depart from Fortaleza, Brazil, on September 15, and is scheduled to arrive in Tema, Ghana, on October 29. Operating from the research vessel R/V Falkor (too), the team is working in partnership with the US-based Schmidt Ocean Institute.

The primary focus of the mission is the Romanche Fracture Zone, a 1,000-kilometer-long underwater formation of mountains and valleys located along the Equator between northeastern Brazil and West Africa. Scientists aim to conduct high-resolution mapping and study the water column, ocean floor, habitats, and biodiversity using SuBastian, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of diving to depths of 4,500 meters.