3.1. Submarine volcanism and hydrothermal vents
One of the commonest applications of AUVs inmarine geoscience, as
represented in peer-reviewed scientific literature, relates to the study of
submarine volcanismand hydrothermal vents. In this setting, AUVs can be used to i) make high-resolution bathymetric and magnetic field
maps of the seafloor, ii) locate active hydrothermal plumes, using a
combination of temperature, optical backscatter, electrochemical
redox (Eh), vertical velocity and SSS imagery, and iii) produce detailed
geo-referenced photomosaics of specific areas of interest