Extensive description of site:

The MoMAR area, englobes the Menez Gwen, Lucky Strike, Saldanha, Menez Hom and Rainbow vent fields, and their respective segments: the AMAR, FAMOUS, Lucky Strike and Menez Gwen segments. These segments trend subperpendicular to the direction of plate separation and are offset by axial discontinuities. These discontinuities may be transform faults, or so-called nontransform offsets. Tectonic and volcanic processes vary within each individual segment: segments centers have a thicker crust, indicative of a larger supply of magma and enhanced volcanism, while segments ends have a deeper axial valley, indicative of more pronounced tectonic activity. Menez Gwen and Lucky Strike vent fields are on a basaltic environment at the center of the segment, while Saldanha and Rainbow are in a Peridotite environment at the end of the segment.

Description of fauna and flora:

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge sensu lato is a major source of energy and mineral flux into the surrounding ocean. As hydrothermal vent systems (HTVs) are placed in an oligotrophic region, hydrothermal fluxes are likely to significantly impact biogeochemical cycling and carbon flux. The vent fields are dominated by chemossynthetic bacteria which are the base of the food chain. Extensive mussel beds of the mytilid Bathymodiolus azoricus (dominate the hydrothermal vent fauna, as well as, populations of three bresilid shrimps (Chorocaris chacei, Mirocaris fortunata and Rimicaris exoculata). Among the mussels, other invertebrates can be found such as pycnogonids, amphipods and other polychaetes not commensal. Bathyal fauna can be observed around the vents, and some of it make incursions into the vent fields. Normal deep-sea fauna as corals, sponges, anemones, alcyonairs, and ictiofauna can be observed on the ridge flanks.

Habitat description:

Habitats according to EUNIS classification:

A5.1; Deep-sea rock and artificial hard substrates
A5.2; Deep-sea combination substrates
A5.3; Deep-sea sand substrates
A5.6; Deep-sea bioherms
A6.2; Seamounts, knolls and banks
A6.3; Oceanic ridges
A6.5; Vents in the deep sea
A7; Pelagic water column
X30; Bentho-pelagic habitats

Facilities:

The nearest harbour is located 150 miles away (Horta); an oceanographic vessel is therefore needed. R/V “Arquipélago” is available to produce scientific work in the area (see specifications at: http://www.horta.uac.pt/equipment/ships_1.html). Seasonal access to ROVs, manned submersibles and other underwater instruments. Not easily accessible during winter. However, there are possibilities of good weather windows during winter. If scientists are outside the Archipelago, there are flights from Lisbon to one of the islands and then a research vessel to the sites. Good port facilities in at least three islands of the Archipelago: Faial; S. Miguel and Terceira. From those ports, is possible to access the area if there is a need of submersibles (Manned submersibles and/or ROVs). DOP-UAç laboratories (including LabHorta) might be used as a shore support base.

Available database and website:

Time-series data:
There are some sporadic biodiversity data from the expeditions of Prince Albert of Monaco. Concerning the vent fields, there are data since 1993, almost annually for some spots.

CD-rom available

Commitment and ongoing research:

The area is being chosen for target studies for several research teams, from European countries and also from United States, Russia and Japan. During the last ten years several International programs took place in the area. MARFLUX (EC); AMORES (EC); VENTOX (EC); FARA (FR/USA/PT); and others non biological cruises. In the near future, two VI framework programs are already accepted (EXOCET/D and MOMARNET). There are funds to study the MoMAR area: EXOCET/D - EXtreme ecosystem studies in the Deep Ocean: Technological Developments (VI Framework EC)- Total 2.000.000€; MOMARNET- Monitoring deep seafloor hydrothermal environments on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (VI Framework EC) Total 2.620.720€. International geophysical teams are also studing the area (Ridge 2000 - USA, slow ridge integrated site).

• Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer; Centre de Brest (Carrying out research on the Biomare site)
  • Desbruyères,Daniel (Carrying out research on the Biomare site)
• University of the Azores; Department of Oceanography and Fisheries
  • Serrão Santos,Ricardo (Proposed the Biomare Site + Carries out research on the Biomare site)
  • Colaço,Ana (Carrying out research on the Biomare site)