Still images from the KuramBio expedition 2012 (Stations 3-6, 8-11) obtained with the Ocean Floor Observation System

Repository with still images obtained from the videos of the KuramBio 2012 expedition in 5 second intervals. Still images belong to deep-sea stations where the Ocean Floor Observation System (OFOS) was deployed and enough video survey was obtained (i.e., Stations 3-6, 8-11). The Station 7 survey length was enough but has no HD video. Thus, images were not retrieved since the quality does not allow accurate lebensspuren or benthic fauna identification. 

The OFOS was lowered into the water at the CTD position. The first 300 meters lowering was conducted with 0.5 m/sec, and then the speed was increased to 0.8 m/sec while the ship was kept in position. At 500 meters above ground the speed was reduced to 0.5 m/sec, and further reduced to 0.3 m/sec at 200 meters above ground. As soon as visual contact with the bottom was established, the winch was stopped. The ship started moving with 0.5 knots in the appropriate direction, which was chosen depending on current and wind situation at the according station. The OFOS was kept in an appropriate distance to the seafloor, enabling the scientists to watch the macrofaunal organisms. The approximate size of the observed animals could be calculated with the help of two laser pointers having a distance of 10 cm between each other (see Fig. 1-3). Generally, the survey lasted slightly over one hour, then the ship was stopped and heaving of the OFOS started. This was first conducted at 0.5 m/sec and accelerated to 1.0 m/sec. For more information see the cruise report (RV Sonne cruise SO223; doi:10.1016/j.dsr2.2014.11.001).