Leigh Marsh is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Geology and Geophysics group in Southampton. Here, she tells us about her work with the EV Nautilus.

Last year, I was working on behalf of the Ocean Exploration Trust on-board the EV Nautilus in the Caribbean. This year, I am fortunate to be joining the EV Nautilus at the historic hydrothermal vent sites of the Galapagos Rift.

The Nautilus Exploration Program was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Ballard and is operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. The international program focuses on scientific exploration of the seafloor by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) launched from aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, a 64-meter research vessel. In addition to conducting scientific research, the Nautilus Exploration Program offers its expeditions to scientists and members of the public on shore via live video, audio, and data feeds from the ship. The E/V Nautilus will spend several weeks exploring the Galapagos Rift region.

The Galápagos Islands have been instrumental in the establishment of the biological theory of evolution, gaining insights to our knowledge of the chemistry of the Earth’s interior, and understanding the plate tectonic evolution of the eastern Pacific seafloor. Click the flowing link to find out more about this years exploration.

The Nautilus Exploration Program presents a novel and exciting opportunity for not only scientists, but also schools and the general public to watch and participate in the live exploration of our deep ocean. You can follow the exploration live from the seafloor at www.nautiluslive.org