‘Gloria’ Side‐Scan Sonar in the East Pacific

Abstract

The Institute of Oceanographic Sciences' long‐range sidescan sonar ‘Gloria’ was operated over almost 20,000 km of ship track during the recent 56‐day cruise 110 of R.R.S. Discovery in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The cruise took place between April and June 1980 and ran between Balboa (Panama), the East Pacific Rise, and Callao (Peru). The main objectives were geophysical studies of fast‐ and medium‐spreading midocean ridges (including the Galapagos Triple Junction) and fracture zones, and the Peru Trench. This is the first time that this unique sonar has been used in the Pacific or on a fast‐spreading midocean ridge.