Hawaii Deep Water Cable Program, phase II-D task 2 : visual and photographic survey of a preferred Hawaii Deep Water Cable route

Abstract

Submersible studies of the preferred cable route were conducted in order to define the safest cable path for the deep water power cable. Specific study objectives were as follows: (1) Investigate potential problem areas for the cable route due to geological roughness identified in previous geophysical bottom roughness surveys; (2) Determine width characterized by a smooth ocean floor and check for obstacles in the narrow gap regions on the Maui Slope; (3) Provide data packages consisting of the video, still photographic and environmental data taken from the submersible for each dive; (4) Compile a biota summary (survey of living animals) as a precursor for a formal environmental impact study; and (5) Prepare a final report summarizing the data obtained in the form of geologic maps of the areas of interest, and an interpretation of the detrital dynamics of the ocean floor.