Theme:

1.1. Northern Weh Hydrothermal Vents and Seamounts

The theme calls for studies that characterize the geochemical properties, geological resources, and biological diversity of the northern Weh hydrothermal vents and seamounts. The proposed works may focus on hydrothermal profiles and seamount geology in a particular section as well as comparative studies between different sections. Their unique environment (i.e., warmer temperatures, lower pH) is a hotbed for discovering bioresources, as well as a natural laboratory for the projected acidifying oceans under climate change.

1.2. Biological Succession and Geology at the Rupture Zone of the 2004 and 2005 Indian Ocean Earthquakes

The great tsunamigenic Aceh earthquake in December 2004 ruptured a major portion of the subduction zone of Sumatra to the Andaman Islands that covers an area of about 1250 x 150 km. There is yet conclusive evidence as to how the earthquake produced such large tsunami waves and whether submarine slides are also responsible for the tsunami. The following 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Bengkulu in March 2005 was allegedly triggered by the 2004 earthquake. In addition to studying the geology of the rupture zone, the theme also explores the succession of biodiversity at the rupture zone two decades after the major event.

1.3. Oxygen Depleted Zone & the Wyrtki Jet

The theme investigates physical and biogeochemical properties across water columns to detect the expansion of the northern Indian Ocean oxygen-depleted waters into the eastern Indian Ocean, and the roles of ocean currents including the Wyrtki Jet to the ocean properties. We welcome studies that could take advantage of the expedition to provide new insights that are corroborated by analyses of past oceanographic surveys, available buoy and ARGO float data, and modeling studies.

1.4. Marine Resources of Continental Shelf

While less explored, the open seas provide critical ecosystem services to our planet and thus require comprehensive scientific understanding as a basis for its protection and sustainable uses. We invite studies that aim to characterize seabed geology and marine resources including biodiversity located between 200-350 miles from the Indonesian western Sumatra coastlines using conventional and novel techniques.

Theme:

2.1. Sunda Megathrust 

The Sunda megathrust refers to the ~5,000km-long fault zone that runs from the Andaman-Nicobar to Islands, the western side of Sumatra Island, the southern side of Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Islands, and terminates around the north side of Australia. South of Java Island, the Indo-Australian plate subducts under the Sunda Block perpendicularly and forms the Java Trench. Historically, earthquake events on Java are relatively aseismic compared to that of Sumatra. Large earthquakes potentially occur close to the Java Trench which may generate devastating tsunamis along the south coast of Java.  Studies show that large earthquakes along the Java Trench have a return repeat of ~500 years. We invite studies that push our knowledge to mitigate the hazards.

2.2. Monsoon - generated Ocean Upwelling 

The theme calls for works on the variability of the monsoon-generated ocean upwelling that peaks during the austral summer (June-October) and is essential to fisheries. Wind-driven ocean upwelling delivers nutrient-rich deeper waters into the surface oceans. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report has highlighted that our oceans have become more stratified with weakened ocean upwelling. We welcome studies to understand upwelling dynamics in the past using paleogeographic proxies and using present observations.

2.3. Fisheries Stock Assessment

We welcome studies on fisheries stock assessment and those that characterize the environmental parameters essential for ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine protected areas, and how they are changing in the face of climate change using conventional and novel techniques. Potential coverage areas include WPP-RI 572 (southern Sumatra), 573 (southern Java), and 716 (Sulawesi Sea). 

In collaboration with National Geographic Society Srikandi Bahari Expedition

Theme:

3.1. Deep Sea Ecological Services & Knowledge Production 

Integrative research on biodiversity in the deep-sea environments and the role of deep-sea as a carbon sink (blue carbon) using a suite of techniques, including high-resolution camera observation, fauna sampling, genomic and isotopic analyses, and marine environmental conditions. The expedition calls for social scientists’ participation in conducting studies on gender relations in knowledge production in ocean science. 

3.2. Biodiversity and Geology of Hydrothermal Vents and Seamounts 

We invite collaborative works to explore the biological diversity (e.g., macro biota, microorganisms) and the geochemical properties of hydrothermal vents and seamounts, as well as the mapping of deep-sea geological resources. The western Pacific area offers an interesting study location for submarine volcanism and hydrothermal mineralization. 

3.3. Regional Collaborative Studies in the Western Pacific Warm Pool

Understanding of ocean dynamics (e.g., boundary currents, Mindanao-Halmahera Eddies), marine resources (e.g., biological, mineral resources), and natural disasters in the western Pacific. We welcome regional collaborations in particular through existing forums to conduct research activities that support the U.N. Decade of Ocean Sciences.