The Modular Mobility System on MSM132: Photogrammetric and Hydroacoustic Mapping at Santorini and Kolumbo

durch Tom Kwasnitschka (GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel)

Mittwoch 17.09.2025, 13:15 → 14:30 Europe/Berlin

8A-002 - Hörsaal Ostufer / Lecture Hall East (GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore)

The Modular Mobility (MOMO) Seafloor observation and sampling system is currently in development at GEOMAR between RD4 and the DSM group. In its current state it is already able to produce coherent microbathymetrical seafloor maps down to 4mm resolution, applying a leading photogrammetric sensor suite and volumetric 3D-hydroacoustic sensors. The first productive deployment occurred on MSM132 last Christmas, yielding 12 productive seafloor maps on 9 dives without downtime. These maps show a complex and novel structure of extensive CO2 venting and formation of brine pools associated with bacterial mats forming a complex relief - these structures are not understood yet while intermittent visits of British colleagues indicate a fast change in this volcanically active regime. All surveys will be repeated and completed during the upcoming M215 cruise (again next Christmas). The full scope will also allow multimodal seafloor sampling in complex terrain using an attached mini ROV. This capability, along with 6000m rating and the possibility to fly the system in passenger airplanes if need be, will be the scope of further developments in the coming 1-3 years.