Community structure and biodiversity of the benthic megafauna at the inactive hydrothermal site Mohn's Treasure, on the Mohn's Ridge, Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge (AMOR)

Abstract

This thesis aims to describe the deep sea benthic megafauna communities of the geologically inactive vent site of Mohn's Treasure, situated on the Mohn's Ridge, a part of the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge (AMOR). The data was gathered during a research cruise in the framework of the MarMine project, NTNU, conducted between the 15th of August and 5th of September, 2016. Photographic data was collected from 3 sites, which have been quantified. The observed organisms have been identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, abundances and densities have been calculated, and the different sites have been investigated using biodiversity indices.