Mapping Expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Returns Photos

3-D maps of Turnif Seamount (left; Credit: Chris Kelley/HURL) and Wentworth Seamount (right; Credit: Colleen Peters/SOI) based on newly gathered sonar data.

Researchers deploying the CTD unit (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) used to support sonar mapping on the R/V Falkor. Credit: Dan Wagner/NOAA

Scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor set out to map PMNM’s largely uncharted seafloor. Credit: Debbie Nail Meyer/Schmidt Ocean Institute

A view of the aft deck of the R/V Falkor. Credit: Toni Parras/NOAA

A view of the sonar mapping control room aboard the R/V Falkor. Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA

Chief scientist Christopher Kelley monitoring incoming data in the sonar control room. Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA

Colleen Peters, Schmidt Ocean Institute marine technician, attending the systems in the sonar control room on the R/V Falkor. Credit: Toni Parras/NOAA

A 3-D rendering of the sonar data from Midway Atoll. Credit: Jonathan Tree/SOI

Mysterious crater mapped off the southeast of Maro Reef by the R/V Falkor. Although it appears unlikely, the perfectly round shaped crater looks more like a meteorite impact crater than an undersea volcano. Credit: John Smith/HURL

Mysterious crater mapped off the southeast of Maro Reef by the R/V Falkor. Although it appears unlikely, the perfectly round shaped crater looks more like a meteorite impact crater than an undersea volcano. Credit: Colleen Peters/SOI