Two New Zealand Crown Research Institutes are to research a South Pacific chain of underwater volcanoes in partnership with a United States organisation.
GNS Science and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research will use equipment provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts to explore a chain of volcanoes stretching more than 1000km northeast from White Island.
The Kermadec Arc is where some of the world's most active submarine volcanoes and hydrothermal vents are located, as well as a wide range of marine life.
A joint statement says it is hoped the first survey will be undertaken in 12 - 18 months.