Leg 2, Dive 01

The first dive of leg 2 explored deep-sea landslide debris and scarps between Alvin and Block Canyons, at U.S. Geological Survey Hazards 1 site. We transited through a landslide debris field and continued up slope, where we finished the dive exploring the top of the scarp. Few rocks of various sizes were scattered on the sediment surface. Some of these rocks were fairly clean, with few animals, while others were heavily populated by flytrap and unknown anemones, hydroids, snails, and hermit crabs. The sediment topography included small hummocks, large burrows, and clay balls scattered over the sediment surface in some places. Squat lobsters, red crabs, and shrimp were observed residing within burrows made of semi-consolidated mud. Throughout the course of the dive, we observed several species of fish, including rattails, flatfish, and eels. We also saw active predation by fish on other fish and invertebrates, as well as parasites attached to the outside of eels.