National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
United States Department of Commerce

USV

Collecting the very first direct ocean measurements to fill important gaps in understanding the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption

Scientist(s): 

July – August 2022:  PMEL's Sharon Walker joined a team of engineers, multibeam mapping experts, and scientists from around the globe to complete a high-resolution bathymetric and hydrothermal plume survey of the post-eruption caldera at the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) volcano. This is the first time a survey that includes direct measurements of the water column up to 300 meters deep has been conducted entirely remotely using an uncrewed surface vessel operated and monitored by engineers and scientists who are located across the globe. 

A person with a blue rimmed hat with gray shirt and camouflage pattern shorts kneeling in front of a metal cage hosting 3 silver instruments with a toolbox nearby in front of the uncrewed surface vessel with water behind.

SeaKit engineer on the dock in Tonga mounting the PMEL MAPRs onto a specifically designed cage to fit on the USV Maxlimer. Click on the image to enlarge. Photo Credit: Sea-Kit International/NIWA/Nippon Foundation

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