New rock and hydrothermal samples from the southern Tyrrhenian sea: The MAR-98 research cruise

A research cruise dedicated exclusively to seabed sampling took place in 1998, more than 15 years after the last such activity was undertaken. In the intervening years, new positioning technology and recently acquired swath bathymetry have substantially improved success rate of dredge hauls and the accuracy of sample location. The targeted area was the Marsili Basin in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, including its margins and central volcano in addition to the submerged portions of the Aeolian volcanic arc. Principle objectives of the cruise were to collect new rock samples of the volcanic edifices in the region and the explore and sample the products in both known and likely areas of hydrothermal activity. 56 dredge hauls and 28 gravity cores were recovered after the 22-day expedition.