The ECO-MAR (Ecosystem of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at the Sub-Polar Front and Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone) project: description of the benthic sampling programme 2007-2010

The ECOMAR project conducted 4 cruises to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) in the summer months of the years 20072010 making repeat visits to 4 stations at 2500 m depth on the flanks of the MAR; a pair of northern stations at 54 degrees N and southern stations at 49 degrees N. Swath bathymetry surveys across the ridge revealed a pattern of sediment-covered flat terraces parallel to the axis of the MAR with intervening steep rocky slopes. Benthic fauna were sampled by otter trawl, megacorer and a suite of tools carried by the ROV Isis including push cores, grabs and suction sampler. Video and photo surveys were done using the SHRIMP towed vehicle and ROV Isis. Additional surveying and sampling was done at 1050822 m depth across the summit of a seamount located at 48 degrees 44N, 28 degrees 10W on the western crest of the MAR between the two southern stations.