Cutting Edge Images
June 8, 2007

We are retrieving data from the Eagle Ray’s second flight at AUV priority area #1.  This area of the Miami Terrace has unique features that we believe to be karst topography, which can generally be described as a geologic feature characterized by the presence of carbonate rock (for example, limestone), which formed millions of years ago through accumulation of sediments and skeletons of marine organisms.  On land, this topography can form caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers.

The feature shown in this image is along the Miami Terrace and is approximately 100 meters across and it dramatically drops 100 meters down at a 1:1 slope (meaning it drops straight down).  We suspect that the edges of this feature provide essential fish habitat to important fishery resources.

So far, the Eagle Ray has mapped for 19 hours and approximately 11.25 km².  The ship has multi-beamed for 136 hours and has mapped 250 km².

We are continuing to use the ships multi-beam sonar along priority area #1 of the Miami Terrace.  Later today, we are scheduled to steam to priority area #2.  (We will be just south of Cape Canaveral and may be able to catch a NASA shuttle launch this evening!)  But as we have experienced so far, the schedule can and will always change.

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