EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems | U.S. Geological Survey

EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems | U.S. Geological Survey
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EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems
Active
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
August 23, 2021
Overview
Science
Data
Multimedia
Web Tools
News
Partners
EXPRESS is a multi-year, multi-institution cooperative research campaign in deep sea areas of California, Oregon, and Washington, including the continental shelf and slope. EXPRESS data and information are intended to guide wise use of living marine resources and habitats, inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions, and improve offshore hazard assessments.
Explore Our Data with the EXPRESS Data Viewer
Hazards
EXPRESS will improve assessments of marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.
Hazards study
Ecosystems
EXPRESS will map and characterize sensitive deep-sea habitats to help guide ocean management decisions.
Ecosystems study
Resources
EXPRESS's resource assessment contributions will inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
Resources study
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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The west coast of the United States showing locations of EXPRESS ship-based multibeam surveys, ROV dives, AUV dives, and sediment samples. Red boxes show locations of close-up views of multibeam bathymetry in Figures 2 and 3 below.
In response to Section 2 of the Presidential Memorandum (PM) on Ocean Mapping of November 19, 2019, the National Strategy for mapping, exploring, and characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been established. EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) activities focus on the Pacific EEZ. In particular, the unique partnership of EXPRESS allows federal and non-federal entities to collaborate in identified priority areas. These are directly aligned to the National Strategy outlined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Council on Environmental Quality.
EXPRESS partners include
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
MBARI
, and
USC Sea Grant
Priorities
Extend bathymetry and backscatter coverage to high priority areas
Create a seamless map with benthic habitat classifications for targeted regions
Locate and characterize deep sea coral, sponge, and chemosynthetic communities, including associated fish populations
Identify underwater geological hazards and evaluate their potential for generating tsunamis
Investigate deep-sea minerals of potential industry interest
Use the complementary capabilities of federal assets to produce integrated datasets
Provide a foundation of publicly accessible data and information to spur further exploration, research, and management
Engage a broad cross-section of the scientific community and the public
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 2. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry of Trinidad Submarine Canyon northwest of Humboldt Bay in northern California. Area is in the vicinity of a potential offshore renewable energy development.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 3. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry offshore central California. Data supported management of National Marine Sanctuaries and prospective renewable energy decisions. Black ovals are locations of AUV-based multibeam surveys. Close-up views of two AUV surveys are shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 4. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including submarine channels and pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI both prior to and as a part of EXPRESS.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 5. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI.
Fieldwork
EXPRESS partners have completed several research cruises using ships from NOAA, university, and non-profit oceanographic research institutions. More cruises are planned and under discussion. Every participating organization has contributed resources including ships, instruments, and personnel.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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EXPRESS Days-At-Sea by Agency and Purpose. This graph shows:326 days at sea across 9 vessels​:> 110 ROV and 70 AUV dives​79 piston cores​Actively participating organizations: ​NOAA (16); BOEM (2); USGS (2)​; MBARI
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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The NOAA ship
Rainier
completed several
EXPRESS
research cruises offshore of California and Oregon in 2017 and 2018.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Screenshot of an interactive geonarrative, of some completed EXPRESS research cruises.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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The figure shows the location of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts dives conducted in September 2020, plus three images of the CT scan data from one of the collected cores. In the CT scan of the upper 80 cm of the core "DR1281 VC-870," with a zoomed in section to the right outlined in red, sections of lighter colors indicate sandy sediment and suggest horizons associated with 4 turbidites.  In the lower right is a perpendicular slice through a horizon (marked in orange) showing coarse grains that are characteristic of turbidites. Previously published work identified a sand layer in a core at this same site and subbottom depth, which was determined to be associated with the January 1700 Cascadia mega-earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Explore our geonarrative: “Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: multi-agency team mapping uncharted waters and exploring deep-sea ecosystems off the west coast of the United States”
Completed Research Cruises
Date
Location
Ship
Organizations
October 2017
Morro Bay, California
Rainier
NOAA
MBARI
BOEM
USGS
October-November 2017
Channel Islands, California
Rainier
NOAA
April 2018
Morro Bay, California
Rachel Carson
MBARI
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
July-August 2018
Cordell Bank NMS and Farallones NMS, California
Shimada
NOAA
USGS
August 2018
Cascadia Margin, Oregon and California
Rainier
USGS
NOAA
BOEM
September 2018
Morro Bay, California
Rainier
BOEM
USGS
NOAA
October 2018
California and Oregon
Shimada
USGS
NOAA
MMS
June 2019
Cascadia Margin, Oregon and California; more info:
Observing Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
Falkor
USGS
NOAA
August 2019
California and Oregon
Fairweather
USGS
NOAA
September 2019
California
Bold Horizon
USGS
BOEM
MBARI
September 2019
California
Fairweather
NOAA
October 2019
California
Bold Horizon
USGS
BOEM
October-November 2019
Washington, Oregon, and California; more info:
Research Cruise to Survey Deep-Sea Corals, Sponges,
and Fish Habitat Along the West Coast
” and
Surveying Deep-sea Corals, Sponges, and Fish Habitat Off the U.S. West Coast
Reuben Lasker
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
September 2020
Southern Cascadia Margin, Northern California and Southern Oregon
Western Flyer
MBARI
USGS
Partners
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center research oceanographer Nancy Prouty explains how deep-sea corals can help determine climate and ocean chemistry over hundreds to thousands of years ago.
NOAA, BOEM, and USGS are the primary EXPRESS partners. Other partners include MBARI and USC Sea Grant.
Federal Partners
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (
NOAA
National Ocean Service (NOS) – Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Office of Coast Survey
NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) – Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program
Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR) – Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) – National Centers for Environmental Information
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Core players in “Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems” (EXPRESS) held a planning workshop at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California, November 29–30. EXPRESS is an interagency effort to study deep-water areas off California, Oregon, and Washington. NOAA, USGS, and BOEM initiated the project, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has joined the effort.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (
BOEM
):
Pacific Region
Environmental Studies Program
U.S. Geological Survey (
USGS
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC)
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC)
Non-Federal Partners
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (
MBARI
Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (
GFOE
University of Southern California Sea Grant (
USC Sea Grant
Planning Workshop, November 29-30, 2018
Core EXPRESS participants held a
planning workshop
at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California. Attendees discussed objectives, refined priorities for future work, and reviewed accomplishments to date.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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USGS provides a place for the sharing of science through frequent seminars that are open to the public.
Virtual Workshop to Identify National Ocean Exploration Priorities in the Pacific, July-September 2020
In partnership with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), the Consortium for Ocean Leadership organized the
Workshop to Identify National Ocean Exploration Priorities in the Pacific
. This workshop was hosted virtually. A virtual opening plenary was held on July 10, 2020. A series of virtual breakout sessions were held in July and August 2020, and a virtual closing plenary was held on September 21 and 22, 2020.
Study Area
Contacts
Danny Brothers
Research Geophysicist
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
dbrothers@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7460
Nancy Prouty
Research Oceanographer
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
nprouty@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7526
Jane Rudebusch
Geographer
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Email
jrudebusch@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7468
Amanda Demopoulos, Ph.D.
Research Ecologist
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Email
ademopoulos@usgs.gov
Phone
352-264-3490
Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Research Geneticist
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Email
cmorrison@usgs.gov
Phone
304-724-4464
Jill R Bourque, Ph.D.
Biologist
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Email
jbourque@usgs.gov
Phone
352-264-3527
Christina Kellogg, Ph.D.
Research Microbiologist
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
ckellogg@usgs.gov
Phone
727-502-8128
Explore Search
Biology
Ecosystems
Natural Hazards
Ocean
bathymetry
backscatter
benthic habitat mapping
deep sea corals
chemosynthetic communities
Geological Hazards
deep-sea minerals
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Deep-Sea Corals
Habitats
Ocean Minerals
Seafloor Mapping
Tsunamis
Earthquakes and faults
Marine cores
Paleotsunami
Sediment cores
Submarine landslides
Paleoenvironment
Deep-Sea Processes
Earthquakes
Extended Continental Shelf
Fault Systems
Submarine Landslides
Hazards
Ocean Resources
Ocean Ecosystems
Geologic History
Marine Geologic Hazards
Mapping
Energy
Minerals
Earth History and Climate
Benthic Habitats
Deep-Sea Minerals
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Geology
Subduction Zone
Oceanography
Subduction Zones
View All
The studies associated with the EXPRESS project are listed below.
August 1, 2022
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Societal Issue: Uncertainty related to rupture extent, slip distribution, and recurrence of past subduction megathrust earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest (northern CA, OR, WA, and southern BC) leads to ambiguity in earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments and hinders our ability to prepare for future events.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Subduction Zone Science
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
August 1, 2022
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Societal Issue: Uncertainty related to rupture extent, slip distribution, and recurrence of past subduction megathrust earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest (northern CA, OR, WA, and southern BC) leads to ambiguity in earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments and hinders our ability to prepare for future events.
December 1, 2021
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
The continental shelf and slope offshore California, Oregon, and Washington are home to deep-sea corals, chemosynthetic communities, and other sensitive habitats that could be impacted by the development of energy and mineral resources. The EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) campaign will map and characterize these special areas to help guide ocean management...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
December 1, 2021
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
The continental shelf and slope offshore California, Oregon, and Washington are home to deep-sea corals, chemosynthetic communities, and other sensitive habitats that could be impacted by the development of energy and mineral resources. The EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) campaign will map and characterize these special areas to help guide ocean management...
November 30, 2021
Hazards: EXPRESS
Marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lie offshore of densely populated areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. One goal of EXPRESS is to improve assessments of these hazards.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Hazards: EXPRESS
November 30, 2021
Hazards: EXPRESS
Marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lie offshore of densely populated areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. One goal of EXPRESS is to improve assessments of these hazards.
August 23, 2021
Resources: EXPRESS
Along the U.S. west coast, the Pacific Ocean, ocean floor, and winds above contain potentially vast energy and mineral resources. Developing these resources safely and wisely requires detailed information for each area of interest. One goal of EXPRESS is to inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Resources: EXPRESS
August 23, 2021
Resources: EXPRESS
Along the U.S. west coast, the Pacific Ocean, ocean floor, and winds above contain potentially vast energy and mineral resources. Developing these resources safely and wisely requires detailed information for each area of interest. One goal of EXPRESS is to inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
September 9, 2020
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area
Land Management Research Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Gulf of America
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
September 9, 2020
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.
July 17, 2022
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise SH-18-12 (USGS field activity 2018-663-FA) from October to November 2018 (ver. 3.0, July 2022)
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise SH-18-12 (USGS field activity 2018-663-FA) from October to November 2018 (ver. 3.0, July 2022)
This data release supersedes version 2.0, published in September 2021 at https://doi.org/10.5066/P99DIQZ5. Versioning details are documented in the accompanying VersionHistory_P99MJ096.txt file. Various water column variables, including salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, radio-carbon isotopes were measured in samples collected using...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
July 6, 2022
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise RL-19-05 (USGS field activity 2019-672-FA) from October to November 2019 (ver. 2.0, July 2022)
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise RL-19-05 (USGS field activity 2019-672-FA) from October to November 2019 (ver. 2.0, July 2022)
This data release supersedes version 1.0, published in August 2020 at https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZS1JX8. Versioning details are documented in the accompanying VersionHistory_P9JKYWQU.txt file. Various water column variables, including salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, were measured in samples collected using a Niskin-bottle rosette...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
August 10, 2018
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Entering Yaquina Bay, Oregon aboard the NOAA ship
Rainier
, approaching the Yaquina Bay Bridge with Newport Marina off to the right in the distance.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
August 10, 2018
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Entering Yaquina Bay, Oregon aboard the NOAA ship
Rainier
, approaching the Yaquina Bay Bridge with Newport Marina off to the right in the distance.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
July 31, 2018
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
USGS geophysicist Janet Watt on board NOAA ship
Rainier
as it sets sail from Newport Marina in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. Yaquina Bay Bridge is overhead.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
July 31, 2018
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
USGS geophysicist Janet Watt on board NOAA ship
Rainier
as it sets sail from Newport Marina in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. Yaquina Bay Bridge is overhead.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
December 31, 2016
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Three-dimensional view of the Hosgri fault 45 meters below the seafloor, revealing fault strands (black), and potential paths along the fault that fluid could follow (green/blue). The other colors represent different geologic layers.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
December 31, 2016
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Three-dimensional view of the Hosgri fault 45 meters below the seafloor, revealing fault strands (black), and potential paths along the fault that fluid could follow (green/blue). The other colors represent different geologic layers.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
December 31, 2016
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California (outlined in small white dots). Low-resolution bathymetry shown in light grey (approximately 100 meters/pixel). High-resolution bathymetry shown in darker grey (less than 20 meters/pixel).
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
December 31, 2016
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California (outlined in small white dots). Low-resolution bathymetry shown in light grey (approximately 100 meters/pixel). High-resolution bathymetry shown in darker grey (less than 20 meters/pixel).
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
June 14, 2016
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock formed on the seafloor in Southern California.
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
June 14, 2016
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock formed on the seafloor in Southern California.
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
November 23, 2015
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
USGS geophysicist Jared Kluesner points at a three-dimensional cross-section of seismic data about 40 kilometers across and several kilometers deep located in the Santa Barbara Channel. This imaging deep below the seafloor allows scientists to visualize and map faults better.
By
Natural Hazards
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
California
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
November 23, 2015
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
USGS geophysicist Jared Kluesner points at a three-dimensional cross-section of seismic data about 40 kilometers across and several kilometers deep located in the Santa Barbara Channel. This imaging deep below the seafloor allows scientists to visualize and map faults better.
By
Natural Hazards
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
California
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
June 11, 2015
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explaining details of the Hosgri fault zone at USGS offices in Santa Cruz.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
June 11, 2015
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explaining details of the Hosgri fault zone at USGS offices in Santa Cruz.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Learn more about the research, and explore the data collected.
June 15, 2022
EXPRESS Data Viewer
EXPRESS Data Viewer
Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS) is an inter-agency federal and nonfederal collaborative research effort aimed at gathering new data of the deep ocean, continental shelf and slope offshore of California, Oregon and Washington. This expansive partnership includes three federal agencies and additional principle investigators from leading research institutes.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Subduction Zone Science
May 5, 2021
Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: Overview of the EXPRESS research campaign
Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: Overview of the EXPRESS research campaign
A multi-agency team is mapping uncharted waters and exploring deep-sea ecosystems off the west coast of the United States. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface, yet little is known about these vast underwater worlds. Less than 20% have been explored. A global initiative seeks to change that, by pledging to complete detailed mapping of one-hundred percent of the seafloor by the year 2030..
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Below are news stories related to this project.
Filter Total Items: 17
Explore Deep-sea Data Along the Pacific Coast with EXPRESS Data Viewer
June 24, 2022
Explore Deep-sea Data Along the Pacific Coast with EXPRESS Data Viewer
As part of National Ocean Month, USGS has launched a new web application that allows users and the public to explore a trove of geohazard, ecosystem...
Read Article
Seeking Coastal and Marine Postdoctoral Research Candidates
December 1, 2021
Seeking Coastal and Marine Postdoctoral Research Candidates
The U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is seeking candidates for several Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research...
Read Article
Special Issue of Sound Waves Focuses on Deep-Sea Research
June 22, 2020
Special Issue of Sound Waves Focuses on Deep-Sea Research
2019 was a big year for deep-sea expeditions, and USGS was pleased to be a partner supporting our Nation in advancing our knowledge about these remote...
Read Article
Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
June 22, 2020
Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
In June 2019, USGS scientists led a 22-day deep-sea research expedition aboard the R/V
Falkor
to examine methane seep dynamics and processes along the...
Read Article
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems - Interagency Collaborative Efforts Explore Deep Ocean Areas
June 22, 2020
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems - Interagency Collaborative Efforts Explore Deep Ocean Areas
As state and national interest in offshore renewable energy development and substantial commercial and recreational fishing activities grows, managing...
Read Article
Celebrate the Ocean! June is Ocean Month
June 2, 2020
Celebrate the Ocean! June is Ocean Month
Nearly two-thirds of our planet is covered by water with more than 120 million Americans living near an ocean or Great Lake. Celebrate Ocean Month and...
Read Article
EXPRESS Expedition Team Hosts NOAA, USGS, and BOEM Leadership
October 21, 2019
EXPRESS Expedition Team Hosts NOAA, USGS, and BOEM Leadership
Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS) Expedition Team Hosts National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)...
Read Article
WaterWords-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Remotely Operated Vehicle
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Remotely Operated Vehicle
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Deep Sea
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Deep Sea
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Telepresence
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Telepresence
Keep up to speed with our
EXPRESS
research cruise with this latest seafloor syntax!
Read Article
Federal scientists from three agencies meet to discuss critical marine minerals
August 7, 2019
Federal scientists from three agencies meet to discuss critical marine minerals
On July 30 and 31, the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center hosted an “Exploratory Interagency Critical Marine Minerals Discussion” in Santa...
Read Article
The primary EXPRESS partners are NOAA, BOEM, and USGS (Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) and Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC)). Other partners include Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and USC Sea Grant.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
USC Sea Grant
USC Sea Grant
EXPRESS is a multi-year, multi-institution cooperative research campaign in deep sea areas of California, Oregon, and Washington, including the continental shelf and slope. EXPRESS data and information are intended to guide wise use of living marine resources and habitats, inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions, and improve offshore hazard assessments.
Explore Our Data with the EXPRESS Data Viewer
Hazards
EXPRESS will improve assessments of marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.
Hazards study
Ecosystems
EXPRESS will map and characterize sensitive deep-sea habitats to help guide ocean management decisions.
Ecosystems study
Resources
EXPRESS's resource assessment contributions will inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
Resources study
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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The west coast of the United States showing locations of EXPRESS ship-based multibeam surveys, ROV dives, AUV dives, and sediment samples. Red boxes show locations of close-up views of multibeam bathymetry in Figures 2 and 3 below.
In response to Section 2 of the Presidential Memorandum (PM) on Ocean Mapping of November 19, 2019, the National Strategy for mapping, exploring, and characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been established. EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) activities focus on the Pacific EEZ. In particular, the unique partnership of EXPRESS allows federal and non-federal entities to collaborate in identified priority areas. These are directly aligned to the National Strategy outlined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Council on Environmental Quality.
EXPRESS partners include
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
MBARI
, and
USC Sea Grant
Priorities
Extend bathymetry and backscatter coverage to high priority areas
Create a seamless map with benthic habitat classifications for targeted regions
Locate and characterize deep sea coral, sponge, and chemosynthetic communities, including associated fish populations
Identify underwater geological hazards and evaluate their potential for generating tsunamis
Investigate deep-sea minerals of potential industry interest
Use the complementary capabilities of federal assets to produce integrated datasets
Provide a foundation of publicly accessible data and information to spur further exploration, research, and management
Engage a broad cross-section of the scientific community and the public
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 2. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry of Trinidad Submarine Canyon northwest of Humboldt Bay in northern California. Area is in the vicinity of a potential offshore renewable energy development.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Figure 3. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry offshore central California. Data supported management of National Marine Sanctuaries and prospective renewable energy decisions. Black ovals are locations of AUV-based multibeam surveys. Close-up views of two AUV surveys are shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Media
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Figure 4. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including submarine channels and pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI both prior to and as a part of EXPRESS.
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Figure 5. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI.
Fieldwork
EXPRESS partners have completed several research cruises using ships from NOAA, university, and non-profit oceanographic research institutions. More cruises are planned and under discussion. Every participating organization has contributed resources including ships, instruments, and personnel.
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EXPRESS Days-At-Sea by Agency and Purpose. This graph shows:326 days at sea across 9 vessels​:> 110 ROV and 70 AUV dives​79 piston cores​Actively participating organizations: ​NOAA (16); BOEM (2); USGS (2)​; MBARI
Media
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The NOAA ship
Rainier
completed several
EXPRESS
research cruises offshore of California and Oregon in 2017 and 2018.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
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Screenshot of an interactive geonarrative, of some completed EXPRESS research cruises.
Media
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The figure shows the location of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts dives conducted in September 2020, plus three images of the CT scan data from one of the collected cores. In the CT scan of the upper 80 cm of the core "DR1281 VC-870," with a zoomed in section to the right outlined in red, sections of lighter colors indicate sandy sediment and suggest horizons associated with 4 turbidites.  In the lower right is a perpendicular slice through a horizon (marked in orange) showing coarse grains that are characteristic of turbidites. Previously published work identified a sand layer in a core at this same site and subbottom depth, which was determined to be associated with the January 1700 Cascadia mega-earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
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Explore our geonarrative: “Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: multi-agency team mapping uncharted waters and exploring deep-sea ecosystems off the west coast of the United States”
Completed Research Cruises
Date
Location
Ship
Organizations
October 2017
Morro Bay, California
Rainier
NOAA
MBARI
BOEM
USGS
October-November 2017
Channel Islands, California
Rainier
NOAA
April 2018
Morro Bay, California
Rachel Carson
MBARI
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
July-August 2018
Cordell Bank NMS and Farallones NMS, California
Shimada
NOAA
USGS
August 2018
Cascadia Margin, Oregon and California
Rainier
USGS
NOAA
BOEM
September 2018
Morro Bay, California
Rainier
BOEM
USGS
NOAA
October 2018
California and Oregon
Shimada
USGS
NOAA
MMS
June 2019
Cascadia Margin, Oregon and California; more info:
Observing Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
Falkor
USGS
NOAA
August 2019
California and Oregon
Fairweather
USGS
NOAA
September 2019
California
Bold Horizon
USGS
BOEM
MBARI
September 2019
California
Fairweather
NOAA
October 2019
California
Bold Horizon
USGS
BOEM
October-November 2019
Washington, Oregon, and California; more info:
Research Cruise to Survey Deep-Sea Corals, Sponges,
and Fish Habitat Along the West Coast
” and
Surveying Deep-sea Corals, Sponges, and Fish Habitat Off the U.S. West Coast
Reuben Lasker
NOAA
BOEM
USGS
September 2020
Southern Cascadia Margin, Northern California and Southern Oregon
Western Flyer
MBARI
USGS
Partners
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center research oceanographer Nancy Prouty explains how deep-sea corals can help determine climate and ocean chemistry over hundreds to thousands of years ago.
NOAA, BOEM, and USGS are the primary EXPRESS partners. Other partners include MBARI and USC Sea Grant.
Federal Partners
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (
NOAA
National Ocean Service (NOS) – Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Office of Coast Survey
NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) – Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program
Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR) – Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) – National Centers for Environmental Information
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)
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Core players in “Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems” (EXPRESS) held a planning workshop at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California, November 29–30. EXPRESS is an interagency effort to study deep-water areas off California, Oregon, and Washington. NOAA, USGS, and BOEM initiated the project, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has joined the effort.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (
BOEM
):
Pacific Region
Environmental Studies Program
U.S. Geological Survey (
USGS
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC)
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC)
Non-Federal Partners
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (
MBARI
Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (
GFOE
University of Southern California Sea Grant (
USC Sea Grant
Planning Workshop, November 29-30, 2018
Core EXPRESS participants held a
planning workshop
at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California. Attendees discussed objectives, refined priorities for future work, and reviewed accomplishments to date.
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USGS provides a place for the sharing of science through frequent seminars that are open to the public.
Virtual Workshop to Identify National Ocean Exploration Priorities in the Pacific, July-September 2020
In partnership with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), the Consortium for Ocean Leadership organized the
Workshop to Identify National Ocean Exploration Priorities in the Pacific
. This workshop was hosted virtually. A virtual opening plenary was held on July 10, 2020. A series of virtual breakout sessions were held in July and August 2020, and a virtual closing plenary was held on September 21 and 22, 2020.
Study Area
Contacts
Danny Brothers
Research Geophysicist
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
dbrothers@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7460
Nancy Prouty
Research Oceanographer
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
nprouty@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7526
Jane Rudebusch
Geographer
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Email
jrudebusch@usgs.gov
Phone
831-460-7468
Amanda Demopoulos, Ph.D.
Research Ecologist
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Email
ademopoulos@usgs.gov
Phone
352-264-3490
Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Research Geneticist
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Email
cmorrison@usgs.gov
Phone
304-724-4464
Jill R Bourque, Ph.D.
Biologist
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Email
jbourque@usgs.gov
Phone
352-264-3527
Christina Kellogg, Ph.D.
Research Microbiologist
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Email
ckellogg@usgs.gov
Phone
727-502-8128
Explore Search
Biology
Ecosystems
Natural Hazards
Ocean
bathymetry
backscatter
benthic habitat mapping
deep sea corals
chemosynthetic communities
Geological Hazards
deep-sea minerals
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Deep-Sea Corals
Habitats
Ocean Minerals
Seafloor Mapping
Tsunamis
Earthquakes and faults
Marine cores
Paleotsunami
Sediment cores
Submarine landslides
Paleoenvironment
Deep-Sea Processes
Earthquakes
Extended Continental Shelf
Fault Systems
Submarine Landslides
Hazards
Ocean Resources
Ocean Ecosystems
Geologic History
Marine Geologic Hazards
Mapping
Energy
Minerals
Earth History and Climate
Benthic Habitats
Deep-Sea Minerals
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Geology
Subduction Zone
Oceanography
Subduction Zones
View All
The studies associated with the EXPRESS project are listed below.
August 1, 2022
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Societal Issue: Uncertainty related to rupture extent, slip distribution, and recurrence of past subduction megathrust earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest (northern CA, OR, WA, and southern BC) leads to ambiguity in earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments and hinders our ability to prepare for future events.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Subduction Zone Science
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
August 1, 2022
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Societal Issue: Uncertainty related to rupture extent, slip distribution, and recurrence of past subduction megathrust earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest (northern CA, OR, WA, and southern BC) leads to ambiguity in earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments and hinders our ability to prepare for future events.
December 1, 2021
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
The continental shelf and slope offshore California, Oregon, and Washington are home to deep-sea corals, chemosynthetic communities, and other sensitive habitats that could be impacted by the development of energy and mineral resources. The EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) campaign will map and characterize these special areas to help guide ocean management...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
December 1, 2021
Ecosystems: EXPRESS
The continental shelf and slope offshore California, Oregon, and Washington are home to deep-sea corals, chemosynthetic communities, and other sensitive habitats that could be impacted by the development of energy and mineral resources. The EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) campaign will map and characterize these special areas to help guide ocean management...
November 30, 2021
Hazards: EXPRESS
Marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lie offshore of densely populated areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. One goal of EXPRESS is to improve assessments of these hazards.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Hazards: EXPRESS
November 30, 2021
Hazards: EXPRESS
Marine geohazards including earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lie offshore of densely populated areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. One goal of EXPRESS is to improve assessments of these hazards.
August 23, 2021
Resources: EXPRESS
Along the U.S. west coast, the Pacific Ocean, ocean floor, and winds above contain potentially vast energy and mineral resources. Developing these resources safely and wisely requires detailed information for each area of interest. One goal of EXPRESS is to inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Resources: EXPRESS
August 23, 2021
Resources: EXPRESS
Along the U.S. west coast, the Pacific Ocean, ocean floor, and winds above contain potentially vast energy and mineral resources. Developing these resources safely and wisely requires detailed information for each area of interest. One goal of EXPRESS is to inform ocean energy and mineral resource decisions.
September 9, 2020
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area
Land Management Research Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Gulf of America
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
September 9, 2020
USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.
July 17, 2022
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise SH-18-12 (USGS field activity 2018-663-FA) from October to November 2018 (ver. 3.0, July 2022)
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise SH-18-12 (USGS field activity 2018-663-FA) from October to November 2018 (ver. 3.0, July 2022)
This data release supersedes version 2.0, published in September 2021 at https://doi.org/10.5066/P99DIQZ5. Versioning details are documented in the accompanying VersionHistory_P99MJ096.txt file. Various water column variables, including salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, radio-carbon isotopes were measured in samples collected using...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
July 6, 2022
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise RL-19-05 (USGS field activity 2019-672-FA) from October to November 2019 (ver. 2.0, July 2022)
CTD profiles and discrete water-column measurements collected off California and Oregon during NOAA cruise RL-19-05 (USGS field activity 2019-672-FA) from October to November 2019 (ver. 2.0, July 2022)
This data release supersedes version 1.0, published in August 2020 at https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZS1JX8. Versioning details are documented in the accompanying VersionHistory_P9JKYWQU.txt file. Various water column variables, including salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, were measured in samples collected using a Niskin-bottle rosette...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Organic Geochemistry Laboratory
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
August 10, 2018
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Entering Yaquina Bay, Oregon aboard the NOAA ship
Rainier
, approaching the Yaquina Bay Bridge with Newport Marina off to the right in the distance.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
August 10, 2018
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Heading back to port, Newport Harbor
Entering Yaquina Bay, Oregon aboard the NOAA ship
Rainier
, approaching the Yaquina Bay Bridge with Newport Marina off to the right in the distance.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
July 31, 2018
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
USGS geophysicist Janet Watt on board NOAA ship
Rainier
as it sets sail from Newport Marina in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. Yaquina Bay Bridge is overhead.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
July 31, 2018
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
On board NOAA ship Rainier
USGS geophysicist Janet Watt on board NOAA ship
Rainier
as it sets sail from Newport Marina in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. Yaquina Bay Bridge is overhead.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
December 31, 2016
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Three-dimensional view of the Hosgri fault 45 meters below the seafloor, revealing fault strands (black), and potential paths along the fault that fluid could follow (green/blue). The other colors represent different geologic layers.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
December 31, 2016
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Hosgri fault 3-D seismic data
Three-dimensional view of the Hosgri fault 45 meters below the seafloor, revealing fault strands (black), and potential paths along the fault that fluid could follow (green/blue). The other colors represent different geologic layers.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
December 31, 2016
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California (outlined in small white dots). Low-resolution bathymetry shown in light grey (approximately 100 meters/pixel). High-resolution bathymetry shown in darker grey (less than 20 meters/pixel).
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
December 31, 2016
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California
Large submarine slides off southern California (outlined in small white dots). Low-resolution bathymetry shown in light grey (approximately 100 meters/pixel). High-resolution bathymetry shown in darker grey (less than 20 meters/pixel).
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
June 14, 2016
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock formed on the seafloor in Southern California.
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
June 14, 2016
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock
Phosphorite rock formed on the seafloor in Southern California.
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
November 23, 2015
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
USGS geophysicist Jared Kluesner points at a three-dimensional cross-section of seismic data about 40 kilometers across and several kilometers deep located in the Santa Barbara Channel. This imaging deep below the seafloor allows scientists to visualize and map faults better.
By
Natural Hazards
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
California
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
November 23, 2015
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
Jared Kluesner discusses seismic data visualization
USGS geophysicist Jared Kluesner points at a three-dimensional cross-section of seismic data about 40 kilometers across and several kilometers deep located in the Santa Barbara Channel. This imaging deep below the seafloor allows scientists to visualize and map faults better.
By
Natural Hazards
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
California
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
June 11, 2015
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explaining details of the Hosgri fault zone at USGS offices in Santa Cruz.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
June 11, 2015
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explains details of a fault zone
Sam Johnson explaining details of the Hosgri fault zone at USGS offices in Santa Cruz.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Learn more about the research, and explore the data collected.
June 15, 2022
EXPRESS Data Viewer
EXPRESS Data Viewer
Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS) is an inter-agency federal and nonfederal collaborative research effort aimed at gathering new data of the deep ocean, continental shelf and slope offshore of California, Oregon and Washington. This expansive partnership includes three federal agencies and additional principle investigators from leading research institutes.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Subduction Zone Science
May 5, 2021
Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: Overview of the EXPRESS research campaign
Expanding Pacific Exploration and Research: Overview of the EXPRESS research campaign
A multi-agency team is mapping uncharted waters and exploring deep-sea ecosystems off the west coast of the United States. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface, yet little is known about these vast underwater worlds. Less than 20% have been explored. A global initiative seeks to change that, by pledging to complete detailed mapping of one-hundred percent of the seafloor by the year 2030..
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories
Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Below are news stories related to this project.
Filter Total Items: 17
Explore Deep-sea Data Along the Pacific Coast with EXPRESS Data Viewer
June 24, 2022
Explore Deep-sea Data Along the Pacific Coast with EXPRESS Data Viewer
As part of National Ocean Month, USGS has launched a new web application that allows users and the public to explore a trove of geohazard, ecosystem...
Read Article
Seeking Coastal and Marine Postdoctoral Research Candidates
December 1, 2021
Seeking Coastal and Marine Postdoctoral Research Candidates
The U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is seeking candidates for several Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research...
Read Article
Special Issue of Sound Waves Focuses on Deep-Sea Research
June 22, 2020
Special Issue of Sound Waves Focuses on Deep-Sea Research
2019 was a big year for deep-sea expeditions, and USGS was pleased to be a partner supporting our Nation in advancing our knowledge about these remote...
Read Article
Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
June 22, 2020
Seafloor Methane Seeps at the Edge of Hydrate Stability
In June 2019, USGS scientists led a 22-day deep-sea research expedition aboard the R/V
Falkor
to examine methane seep dynamics and processes along the...
Read Article
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems - Interagency Collaborative Efforts Explore Deep Ocean Areas
June 22, 2020
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems - Interagency Collaborative Efforts Explore Deep Ocean Areas
As state and national interest in offshore renewable energy development and substantial commercial and recreational fishing activities grows, managing...
Read Article
Celebrate the Ocean! June is Ocean Month
June 2, 2020
Celebrate the Ocean! June is Ocean Month
Nearly two-thirds of our planet is covered by water with more than 120 million Americans living near an ocean or Great Lake. Celebrate Ocean Month and...
Read Article
EXPRESS Expedition Team Hosts NOAA, USGS, and BOEM Leadership
October 21, 2019
EXPRESS Expedition Team Hosts NOAA, USGS, and BOEM Leadership
Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS) Expedition Team Hosts National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)...
Read Article
WaterWords-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Remotely Operated Vehicle
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Remotely Operated Vehicle
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Deep Sea
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Deep Sea
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.
Read Article
WaterWords-Telepresence
October 16, 2019
WaterWords-Telepresence
Keep up to speed with our
EXPRESS
research cruise with this latest seafloor syntax!
Read Article
Federal scientists from three agencies meet to discuss critical marine minerals
August 7, 2019
Federal scientists from three agencies meet to discuss critical marine minerals
On July 30 and 31, the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center hosted an “Exploratory Interagency Critical Marine Minerals Discussion” in Santa...
Read Article
The primary EXPRESS partners are NOAA, BOEM, and USGS (Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) and Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC)). Other partners include Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and USC Sea Grant.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
USC Sea Grant
USC Sea Grant
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