Oceanographic ROV and Sonar Data from American Samoa Expedition

American Samoa and South Pacific Ocean data were collected during the NOAA Okeanos Explorer EX1702 expedition from February 16 to March 2, 2017. The dataset includes information from multiple deep-water mapping systems, ROV dives, and sensor casts within several marine protected areas. It is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is accessible on multiple government data platforms.

Use Cases

• Analyzing seafloor bathymetry and sub-bottom profiles using Kongsberg EM302 multibeam and Knudsen 3260 chirp sonar data.
• Studying water column properties and ocean currents via XBT and Underway CTD casts and Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measurements.
• Investigating deep-sea biological and geological features using video and sensor data from the 6000-meter ROV Deep Discoverer.
• Mapping operations within specific marine protected areas like the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.
• Assessing fisheries resources through split-beam sonar data collected with EX60 systems.

Strengths

• Data collection employed multiple advanced systems including multibeam sonar, ROVs, and current profilers for a multifaceted view of the marine environment.
• Operations specifically targeted several legally defined marine protected areas, providing focused data for conservation science.
• Expedition utilized real-time ship-to-shore communications via high-bandwidth satellite, enabling remote participation and quality control.

Limitations

• Critical dataset specifications such as row count, file size, column names, and precise data license are unavailable from all sources.
• A conflict exists in the 'last updated' metadata, with one source listing 2017-03-02 and another listing 2026-04-01, casting doubt on data maintenance.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Collected during the EX1702 expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer using ship-based mapping systems, ROVs, and sensor casts.

Time Range

2017-02 16 to 2017-03-02

Freshness

2026-04-01 15:21:05.910286

Geography

South Pacific Ocean, specifically the waters around American Samoa and Samoa, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.