Arriving in Rabaul, New Britain to find our research vessel, the M/V Star Dancer, waiting for us, as well as the erupting volcano Tavurvur in the background.

We had a little time to consult with the local experts while the boat was being loaded with our equipment.

Tavurvur continued to erupt ash and pumise into the bay while we were in Rabaul.

As we departed Rabaul for Ambitle Island, we caught the rays of the setting sun reflecting off of the ash plume. Tavurvur is in the distance, and the two peaks seen here are Mt. Turanguna on the left and Mt. Kombiu on the right.

Tutum Bay with evidence of venting on the surface of the water.

Our first dive to the vent site.

The beginning of our transect, along which we collected surface sediments, cores, pore-water, and ambient seawater.

We also collected vent water and vent precipitates from areas of focused venting.

Diffuse venting occurs throughout the area. Here we are measuring the temperature and pH of the sediment.

Jan Amend taking a core sample.

Vent precipitates. In situ and SEM image.

Hydrothermal influence extends as far away as 200m, which can be seen in the color of the sediments.

In addition to HFO, we also found some framboidal pyrite associtated with highly altered sediment.

There was a steady stream of locals coming to our boat to trade.

Not much cover in the rain!

Hiking into the island to sample on-land hydrothermal vents.

Kapkai on-land hydrothermal vents with the village elder of Ambitle Island, Philip, helping out.

The last dive of our trip brought us in contact with this stingray.

Final departure.