JC042

(i) Investigate the southern South Georgia site to locate the presence of hydrocarbon seep or exposed methane hydrates. To document any such sites using video and stills and sample the fauna for taxonomic, phylogenetic, reproduction and food web studies using the ROV Isis. To simultaneously document the geological features of any site and sample fluids and sediments for geochemical analyses.

(ii) To relocate and document hydrothermal vents at E2 and E9 using video and stills and sample the fauna for taxonomic, phylogenetic, reproduction and food web studies using the ROV Isis both on and off the vent sites. To simultaneously document the geological features of the E2 and E9 vent sites and sample fluids and sediments for geochemical analyses.

(iii) To investigate the newly discovered McIntosh Crater using CTD casts to attempt to resolve individual hydrothermal plumes and to survey the crater floor for hydrothermal sites. To document any such sites using video and stills and sample the fauna for taxonomic, phylogenetic, reproduction and food web studies using the ROV Isis. To simultaneously document the geological features of any site and sample fluids and sediments for geochemical analyses.

(iv) To return to Douglas Strait and undertake coring studies to study the sediment geochemistry of the caldera. To undertake ROV dives to detect areas of hydrothermal venting or diffuse flow and sample them for fauna and geochemistry as at previous sites. This area was considered as low priority because it was felt that there was little evidence of significant hydrothermal flow at the site.

During the cruise, the South Georgia, Scotia Ridge and McIntosh Crater sites were investigated but the Douglas Strait site was not visited because of scientific priorities changing during the cruise.