Cornel De Ronde

Since 1997 Cornel, a geologist, has led a sustained GNS Science programme to discover and understand submarine volcanism and hydrothermal venting along the Kermadec section of the Pacific Ring of Fire northeast of New Zealand. This frontier research includes exploring active submarine volcanoes and their seafloor hot springs using surface ships, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and manned submersibles. Cornel has successfully brought together diverse groups of highly skilled specialists from many organisations and numerous countries to study the 2500km stretch of volcanic arc between New Zealand and Samoa. He is internationally recognised for this work and is in high demand as a speaker at a wide variety of forums from scientific conferences to special interest groups and schools. He is President-elect of the International Marine Minerals Society.