General Description and Scientific Significance

The IDOOS I Expedition, conducted in September 2023 aboard the research vessel Abate Molina, marked the first field campaign of the Integrated Deep Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) in the Atacama Trench. The mission aimed to deploy a permanent oceanographic and geophysical observing infrastructure in the hadal environment.

During the expedition, deep-ocean moorings and a network of FETCH AZA bottom pressure sensors were deployed off the coast of Taltal, establishing Chile's first long-term monitoring program for the deep ocean and seafloor deformation within the Atacama seismic gap.

Scientific Objectives

• Deploy the first permanent deep-ocean moorings of the IDOOS observing system.
• Install FETCH AZA bottom pressure sensors.
• Obtain continuous records of ocean currents, temperature, and pressure in the Atacama Trench.
• Investigate deep-ocean dynamics and processes associated with subduction.
• Establish a long-term oceanographic and geophysical observing platform.

Onboard Technology

• Abate Molina research vessel.
• Deep-ocean moorings.
• FETCH AZA bottom pressure sensors.
• Acoustic release and positioning systems.
• CTD-Rosette system for hydrographic profiling.
• Autonomous lander for hadal observations and sampling.

Participating Institutions

• Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO).
• Oceanographic Instrumentation Center (CIO).
• University of Concepción.
• Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP).