“The Virtual Seafloor”

iMAGE-CREATE partners host countless hours of seafloor imagery from past dive operations with HOV (human-occupied) and ROV (remotely-operated) vehicles as well as towed camera surveys. These extensive archives, including still images and videos, provide an unprecedented training opportunity for those who are visiting the seafloor for the first time. iMAGE-CREATE experts are developing “live tutorials” on the seabed, supplementing established archives with hundreds of hours of our own ocean-floor observations from around the globe, creating a unique learning opportunity.

On-line training modules are being developed on a continuing basis, with projects already started on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (Endeavour, Explorer), Indian Ocean (RTJ, INDEX), Lau Basin and Tonga-Kermadec arc, Marianas, Jean Charcot Troughs, Bismarck Sea, North Fiji Basin, Azores, and the mid-Atlantic Ridge.

GEOMAR scientists have established “Virtual Seafloor” modules for its unique ARENA2 Visualization Laboratory (Artificial Research Environment for Networked Analysis) which provides visualization services with a focus on seafloor geology (lab head Dr. Tom Kwasnitschka). Current projects include visualization of the Reykjanes Ridge (IceAGE) and Tofua Arc volcanoes (R/V Falkor) using data collected on cruises joined by iMAGE-CREATE students.

Archives currently being explored for iMAGE-CREATE training modules include:

GEOMAR’s Digital Earth Project

Digital Earth promotes close collaboration between geoscientists and data scientists in a number of ongoing projects directly related to the objectives of iMAGE-CREATE. Trainees interact with Digital Earth in a number of Knowledge Hubs such as software development, imaging, machine learning and modeling (lab head Dr. Jens Greinert).

Ocean Networks Canada Video Archives

In addition to its live streaming initiative, ONC developed “SeaTube”, which was created to help viewers watch and record data from remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives. It is now an extensive archive linked to a seabed GIS with data management and mapping capability.

NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Program

The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) conducts expeditions to previously unvisited areas of the ocean with an emphasis on rigorous, systematic observations and documentation of biological, chemical, physical, and geological aspects of the ocean floor. The NOAA Ocean Exploration program is supported by the NOAA ship R/V Okeanos Explorer, with an extensive archive of past expeditions including information on mission plans, mission logs, expedition daily updates, videos, images and background and educational materials.

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/12fire/welcome.html

Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science

A new Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science, MarDATA, also has been established at GEOMAR, and elements of its program (block courses, etc.) are being incorporated into “virtual seafloor” mapping exercises accessible to iMAGE-CREATE students.