The South Sandwich Islands, one of Earth’s most remote archipelagos, sit between the Southern and Atlantic Oceans, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest human settlement. During my recent expedition aboard the research vessel Falkor (Too) to these islands, the closest humans might have been aboard the International Space Station. This volcanic chain, formed by the South American Plate subducting beneath the South Sandwich Plate, is a hotspot of tectonic activity, featuring the coldest trench on Earth, underwater volcanoes, and spreading centers. The region’s dynamic geology supports unique ecosystems, with species found nowhere else.
Drone-based photograph of Falkor (Too) and Montagu volcano, the largest of the South Sandwich Islands, in the background (Source: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute)
During this expedition, my colleagues in the GoSouth geoscience team and I contributed to the Ocean Census mission, which seeks to accelerate species discovery in the oceans. GoSouth—led by Professor Jenny Gales of the University of Plymouth in collaboration with GEOMAR (Germany) and the British Antarctic Survey—focused specifically on geoscientific investigations. We utilised multiple sonar systems to map seafloor topography and deployed the state of the art remotely operated vehicle SuBastian to survey volcanic flanks, examining how seismic and volcanic activity affects the seabed.
ROV SuBastian during launching operations at night (Source: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Central to our research was examining the aftermath of the 2021 magnitude-8.1 earthquake and the massive tsunami that rippled across global ocean basins. By documenting changes in the seafloor, we gained unprecedented insights into how large earthquakes shape marine landscapes and influence geohazards and ecosystems.
Our GoSouth project extended its reach to underwater volcanoes, including Montagu Bank, Minke Seamount, Quest Caldera, and an unnamed seamount east of Saunders Island. One of our most remarkable discoveries was two hydrothermal vent fields, including a towering 4-meter-tall chimney - a breathtaking find for our 26 scientists and 39 crew members onboard. Closer to my expertise, we also found evidence of past large subaqueous volcanic eruptions at large water depths, which can improve our broader understanding of submarine volcanism.
Under the leadership of the Ocean Census mission, ROV SuBastian captured unprecedented footage of a never observed colossal squid, the largest living invertebrate on Earth, a sighting that has sparked global intrigue. This remarkable discovery, a testament to deep-sea exploration, has been making headlines across international media, shedding new light on one of the ocean’s most elusive creatures. These discoveries reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in understanding the geological and ecological dynamics of the deep sea.
My experience on the expedition
As a subaqueous physical volcanologist on the GoSouth team and a Research Fellow at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, being invited on this expedition was truly an honour. When I first received the invitation, I could not believe it - I felt incredibly privileged to be chosen among top scientists in the field. Of course, I accepted immediately without hesitation.
Dr. Verolino (left) and Prof. J. Gales (right) overseeing operations in the ROV control room (Source: Paul Satchell/Ocean Census)
Besides co-writing the original expedition proposal, I led the volcanological aspects of the mission. My work ranged from rock and sediment sampling and rock recognition during ROV dives, to seamount classifications through multibeam seafloor mapping. My contributions were well recognised by the team leader Prof. Jenny Gales, and the broader team. Additionally, I assisted in multibeam data processing, push core sample analysis, and ROV dive planning alongside the lead scientists.
Throughout the journey, I experienced unforgettable moments. The awe-inspiring shadow of a hydrothermal chimney emerging from the depths, the discovery of tens-of-meter-thick columnar basalts, and giant blocks of pumice rock - features I had only ever seen on land - left me utterly amazed.
Beyond the science, I was deeply inspired by the level of interdisciplinarity and expertise within our science team, as well as the strong bonds of friendship and collaboration we formed. I will never forget this extraordinary group of scientists and the humanity we shared during this expedition. Encounters with Antarctic wildlife, from penguins and whales to deep-sea corals and sponges, alongside breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, added yet another layer of wonder to our scientific exploration.
King penguins having an enjoyable time on an iceberg and Falkor (Too) in the background (Source: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Looking Ahead: The Future of GoSouth
The outcomes of GoSouth promise to enrich multiple scientific fields, including geology, volcanology, and geophysics. Beyond advancing scientific understanding, this expedition strengthens collaborations among institutions, fostering interdisciplinary research and opening doors for future projects.
For the Earth Observatory of Singapore, GoSouth represents a renewed partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, bringing deep-sea exploration opportunities closer to home. By unravelling the mysteries of one of Earth’s least explored regions, the GoSouth project highlights the profound interplay between tectonic forces and marine ecosystems, charting a path for future discoveries.
The GoSouth team. From left to right Prof. Jenny Gales (Assoc. Prof. at the University of Plymouth), Moritz Lang (PhD student at Aachen University, Germany), Corbyn Johannes (PhD student at the University of Plymouth, UK), Tea Isler (PhD student at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Germany), Dr. Andrea Verolino (Research Fellow at the Earth Observatory of Singapore) (Source: Paul Satchell/Ocean Census)
I would like to acknowledge those who made this expedition and experience possible. First of all, thank you to the lead scientist of GoSouth, Prof. Jenny Gales, who invited me to be part of the expedition. Thanks also to the other members of the GoSouth team, Moritz, Tea and Corbyn, with whom we shared knowledge and incredible moments together, and to the Ocean Census team, with whom we created an incredible scientific and human bond. Last but not least, thank you to all the Falkor (Too) crew and the Schmidt Ocea Institute, who allowed us to explore one the least explored places on Earth.