Successful test underwater monitoring system

May 14, 2025

Picture from a hydrothermal patch with an experimental sediment sampling device taken by the BlueROV. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen

A scientific expedition to the southern coast of Milos (Greece) has successfully tested an innovative underwater monitoring system to investigate shallow water hydrothermal vents in this geologically active region. The field campaign brought together experts from the University of Bremen — including Prof. Ralf Bachmayer and Dr. Christian Meurer (Marine Environmental Technology and Deep-Sea Engineering), Dr. Solveig Bühring (Petrology of the Ocean Crust) — as well as Prof. Paraskevi Nomikou from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The testing of the newly developed SPIRULA system was at the heart of this effort. SPIRULA consists of a stationary lander and a mobile unit connected via tether, designed to monitor both the seafloor and the surrounding water column within a 20-meter radius. Equipped with sensors to measure conductivity, temperature, pressure, turbidity, and fluorescence, along with high-resolution cameras and a forward-looking multibeam sonar, SPIRULA aims to provide full optical and environmental coverage of hydrothermal vent fields. For deployment, the expedition team implemented a tailor-made pontoon system — affectionately dubbed the "Busy Beaver" — while preliminary site assessments were carried out using a BlueROV to identify key venting areas. ROV is short for remotely operated vehicle.

This expedition marked a successful interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together marine engineering and geosciences to advance our understanding of hydrothermal systems in shallow marine environments. Alongside the lead scientists, the team also included Ankita Jadhav, Monja Daub, Arni Thor Thorgeirsson, and Jan Gümpel. The expedition was funded by the Werner Siemens-Foundation and the Cluster of Excellence “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface”, based at MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen.

Jan Gümpel, Master's student at the University of Bremen, stands in the workshop next to the SPIRULA system he co-developed. Photo: MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen — Jan Gümpel, Master's student at the University of Bremen, stands in the workshop next to the SPIRULA system he co-developed. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen

Abbildung zeigt Set-up of the “Busy Beaver” at the beach of Milos. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; S. Bühring — Set-up of the “Busy Beaver” at the beach of Milos. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; S. Bühring

Abbildung zeigt “Busy Beaver” on station, SPIRULA is making its rounds. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; A. Jadhav — “Busy Beaver” on station, SPIRULA is making its rounds. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; A. Jadhav

Abbildung zeigt Group picture. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; O. Lang — Group picture. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; O. Lang