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New Zealand scientists are leading the first systematic investigation of submarine volcanoes in the Mediterranean.
The five New Zealanders, from GNS Science, will join American and Italian scientists for the 12-day expedition, beginning next week.
They will explore a chain of submarine volcanoes north of Sicily, known as the Aeolian Arc.
The Italian Government is funding the project and supplying Italy's premier research ship, the RV Urania. The aim is to identify submarine volcanic and hydrothermal vent targets for biological, geophysical and geological research.
Project leader Cornel de Ronde described it is a great coup for New Zealand.
He said if they found something it would be a "very big deal".
If hydrothermal activity was found there was a chance the European Union would fund further research.
"This first step is very much the exploration stage," he said.
The researchers will operate in 12-hour shifts, collecting water samples and towing sophisticated equipment behind the ship to locate black smoker plumes emanating from vents in the seabed.
