Volcanic construction, seawater circulation, rock bioalteration, and sponge communities at Vesteris Seamount, Greenland Sea (VESTERIS - MSM86)

We request ship time with RV Maria S. Merian to conduct detailed ROV-based geological and biological investigations of the Vesteris Seamount in the Central Greenland Sea. High-resolution bathymetry mapping with modern multibeam echosounders and comprehenisve sampling of the volcanic substrate are one focus of the cruise. These samples will be investigated geochemically and geochronologically to unravel the petrological/volcanological evolution of the seamount. Hydrographic surveys will be conducted to look for hydrothermal venting. Another emphasis is on geobiological investigations, including an assessment of the colonization of the volcanic substrate by fungi, fungal diversity and activity as well as relations to seawater-rock interactions during weathering. We will also do a detailed appraisal of the sponge communities that densely colonize the seamount and will conduct comprehensive molecular-ecological studies to understand the functioning of the holobiont. Furthermore, we propose to map and sample a prominent seamount south of our main work area as well as several volcanic centers northeast of it. These materials and data will allow us to shed new light on the magmatic- tectonic evolution of the northernmost Atlantic.