NSF Org:	OCE Division Of Ocean Sciences
Recipient:	NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Initial Amendment Date:	February 11, 2009
Latest Amendment Date:	December 1, 2009
Award Number:	0751780
Award Instrument:	Interagency Agreement
Program Manager:	Barbara Ransom bransom@nsf.gov  (703)292-7792 OCE  Division Of Ocean Sciences GEO  Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date:	February 1, 2009
End Date:	January 31, 2011 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$40,973.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$72,801.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2009 = $40,973.00 FY 2010 = $31,828.00
History of Investigator:	Edward Baker (Principal Investigator) sleuth@uw.edu Robert Embley (Co-Principal Investigator) John Lupton (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory 7600 SAND POINT WAY NE SEATTLE WA  US  98115 (206)526-6484
Sponsor Congressional District:	07
Primary Place of Performance:	NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory 7600 SAND POINT WAY NE SEATTLE WA  US  98115
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	07
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	LZ77YVSDKEZ7
Parent UEI:	NW2RJN8TQQW1
NSF Program(s):	Marine Geology and Geophysics
Primary Program Source:	01000910DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 01001011DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):	0000, OTHR
Program Element Code(s):	162000
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.050

ABSTRACT

In April 2006, extraordinary observations of a deep-sea explosive (Strombolian) volcanic eruption were made at NW Rota-1, a submarine volcano in the Mariana arc of the western Pacific. This research funds a return to the volcano to collect observational and analytical data and its subsequent on-shore data analysis and interpretation. Instruments including hydrophones, chemical sensors, current meters, and plume sensing devices will be deployed at the eruption site for one year. During the cruises, visual observations will made. A time-series collection of lava, gas and fluids at the active volcanic vent will also take place. Vent fluids and biological specimens from local hydrothermal vent sites will also be sampled. In terms of scientific impact, the research provides an opportunity to learn about volcanological process that have been impossible to study directly until now. Owing to the high viscosity of water, compared to air, closer and more specific observation and sampling of a Strombolian eruption can take place at Rota 1 than can be accomplished in subaerial settings. As a result, this work reveals critical proceses that help unravel eruptive mechanism of a highly destructive type of explosive volcanism. Broader impacts include public outreach via the media. The work also involves inter-Agency participation, an interdisciplinary inter-institutional collaboration, and the training a graduate student.

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