Deep Discussion

Veteran Alvin pilot Bob Waters (left) and Don Nuzzio of Analytical Instrument Systems discuss the equipment loaded onto the sub’s payload basket before the first dive of its recent Science Verification Cruise. The cruise gave scientists a chance to “road-test” the newly rebuilt Alvin, which is now returning to service after a 3-year-long upgrade. Waters was the pilot on its first science dive and was joined by WHOI oceanographer Susan Humphris, who supervised the Alvin upgrade, and pilot-in-training Nathan Brown. Nuzzio built one of the sensors scientists use to probe hydrothermal vent environments at the seafloor.

(Photo by Chris Linder, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)