Deep Ocean Research

该方案将利用深海热液喷口群落来研究这些独特生态系统的多样性分布情况。 目标包括：*1. 比较沿着构造特征的多样性分布，这些构造特征具有明显不同的地质背景 *2。根据孤立喷口点动物群连通性的洋流检验假设。3.在三个太平洋地理区域之间进行高水平的功能多样性比较。预期成果：*1。 在西太平洋喷口群落的多样性发现; 2。 全球合作分析热喷口的生态系统功能和采矿的威胁; 3. 有助于喷口生态系统管理和保护举措的方法、应用和评估框架。

This programme will use deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities to examine diversity distribution in these unique ecosystems. Objectives include:*1. Compare diversity distribution along tectonic features that have markedly different geological settings*2. Test hypotheses based on oceanographic currents of faunal connectivity at isolated vent sites.*3. Execute high level functional diversity comparisons among three Pacific biogeographic regions.*Anticipated accomplishments: *1. Diversity discovery in western Pacific vent communities; 2. A global collaboration to analyze ecosystem function at hot vents and the threats from mining; and 3. A framework of methods, applications and assessment to contribute to vent ecosystem management and conservation initiatives.*