Overview
Index of Workshops



November 2001

"Engineering for an Extreme Environment: Open-Ocean Moorings"
Mr. Rick Trask, WHOI, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department

In this talk Mr. Trask, a Sr. Research Engineer, posed the problem of establishing deep moorings for instrumentation in the open ocean, and led the participants through various solutions. With demonstrations and props he explained the constraints imposed by weather, ocean conditions, salt water, marine life, and the like on the possible constructions of deep moorings. A classroom activity tailored to this topic was demonstrated.

Click here for links to web-based resources on this topic.


"A Window into the Private Lives of Dolphins"
Dr. Amy Samuels, WHOI, Biology Department

Dr. Samuels has been investigating dolphin behavior in the wild for many years, observing and tracking lineages in the same area in Australia. In this presentation she discussed social interactions and her methods of observation that emphasize objective recording of animal activities and behaviors.

Click here for links to web-based resources on this topic.


"The Alvin Submersible and Deep-Sea Technology"
Mr. Rick Chandler, WHOI, Alvin Submersible Operations Group

Mr. Chandler, Submersible Operations Coordinator, took participants on a trip through the development, history, and activities of the United States’ deepest-diving research submersible, Alvin. Included in the presentation were accounts of many of Alvin’s benchmark accomplishments, including the first discovery of sea floor hydrothermal vents.

Click here for links to web-based resources on this topic.


"Dive and Discover: A Look at Hydrothermal Vent Geology"
Dr. Susan Humphris, WHOI, Geology and Geophysics Department

Dr. Humphris’ research interests include the chemical reactions and alteration of the earth’s crust and seawater by undersea hydrothermal circulation processes at hydrothermal vent sites. Her presentation was on the geology of hydrothermal vent sites, and centered on the ongoing web project Dive and Discover (www.divediscover.whoi.edu), a website with funding from the National Science Foundation dedicated to making the excitement of deep ocean research, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, geology, and deep ocean technology available to students and teachers through live chronicles of research voyages and dives in Alvin to the sea floor.

Click here for links to web-based resources on this topic.