Introduction:

Ocean Networks Canada is looking to expand its current observatories in the northeast Pacific by installing a node module at a sixth site, which already possesses much of the required infrastructure. This site, located at the Middle Valley on the Juan de Fuca ridge, was originally slated to be used as an interchangeable spare site, only to be used given failure of an already installed node. Recently however, it has garnered significant scientific interest, warranting an exploration of the feasibility of its inclusion.<

Research Interests:

Below are highlighted a few of the research interests for the proposed Middle Valley installation.

1. Hydrothermal Systems - Kathy Gillis

   • Looking to expand their sensors to include the Middle Valley vent field, the entire Endeavour system would ideally be wired with seismometers to study sub-crustal parameters - such as heat and chemical fluxes - to help understand to what degree the hydrology of the oceanic crust is connected.

2. Ocean Crustal Hydrogeology (Boreholes) - Earl Davis

   • The connection of two CORKed (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) boreholes in the Middle Valley would help increase the understanding of borehole data, and also allow continuous and higher frequency sampling.

3. Tectonics (seismicity) - Garry Rogers, William Wilcock

   • Ideally, Middle Valley would be included into the Seismograph Network, and would offer the advantages of precise network timing for seismometers, real-time tsunami warning, and the ability to interactively adjust the duty cycles of other instruments.

4. Marine Mammals and Ocean Noise - Michel Andre

   • Hoping to include the Middle Valley observatory into the Listening to the Deep Ocean (LIDO) project, Michel Andre suggests that the spacing of the hydrophones possible at Middle Valley would be invaluable in tracking the seasonal movements of baleen whales. He further suggests that it would help improve our understanding of the status of the Northeast Pacific Right whale populations, which is believed to be extirpated from the region.

5. Benthic Ecology of Middle Valley 

   • Through previous studies Middle Valley has been noted to have an exceptionally high diversity of hydrothermal vent animals compared with other sites along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Highlighs include abundant clam beds, two different types of tube worms, and extensives bacterial mats.

6. Water Column Plumes - Steve Mihaly

   • To investigate the water column manifestations of hydrothermal activity at Middle Valley, where thick sediments trap and diffuse hydrothermal discharge, leading to a more subtle water column signal.