Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.
RECENT NEWS
A cascade of life
The power of conservation, as seen through the lens of award-winning ocean photographer Henley Spiers
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✈️🌀⛈️ Would you willingly fly through the eye of a #hurricane? #WHOI senior scientist Steve Jayne does it regularly! As a member of @af_reserve_hurricane_hunters, he deploys Alamo floats keep tabs on Atlantic Ocean temperature, salinity, and currents during intense storms.
Jayne and fellow WHOI researcher Robert Todd spoke with @boston25 about how ocean monitoring data contributes to better storm forecasts.
📲 Watch at the link in bio!
Jun 13
#Throwback to the successful 1969 recovery of #Alvin after the deep sea submersible slipped its support cables and sank to 5,000 feet (luckily, the hatch was open and everyone on board escaped).
🍏🥪After 10 months, the sub was recovered, with a surprising discovery: lunches left in the sub containing apples and a bologna sandwich were found to still be edible– compelling evidence that near-freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen aids preservation in the deep sea! This accidental discovery led to new areas of chemical and biological research, some with commercial and pharmaceutical applications.
📲 Dive deeper into Alvin’s fascinating history at the 🔗 in bio!
Jun 13
👀 How many species can you spot in this #hydrothermalvent community?
🔎 Look closely and you’ll see a white hydrothermal vent #crab (Bythograeidea sp.) among the giant #tubeworms (Riftia pachyptila). Usually among the first colonizers of a new vent site, these blind crabs feed on chemosynthetic bacteria and sometimes small fish.
The yellowish #mussels you see here (Bathymodiolus thermophilus) can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm), often in great density. They host several types of bacteria, making it possible for them to live further away from active vents than other filter-feeders, like clams. So far, this deep-sea mussel has been found at vents sites on the East Pacific Rise and Galàpagos Rift.
These are just a few of the extremophiles that #Alvin has revealed to those of us on land. What else will scientists discover over the sub`s next 60 years?
Jun 12
What can researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators do about climate change?
At the inaugural @climatechlive conference in #Boston last week, #WHOI glaciologist Sarah Das joined @northeastern professors Hanu Singh (also WHOI scientist emeritus) and Jennifer Dy for a conversation on how changes at the poles are impacting coastal communities– and how AI can help us prepare for sea level rise.
“What happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic,” Das told the audience.
📲 Read the story from Northeastern Global News at the link in bio!
📸 by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Jun 11
😳 For all its high-tech allure, does the deep-sea submersible #Alvin have a place for its 3 crew to relieve themselves during 8+ hour dives?
📲 Swipe to find out– and celebrate 60 years of ALVIN with more fun facts at the link in bio!
#Alvin60 #TechTuesday #PB4UGO
Jun 11
😲The world’s biggest #iceberg is on the move! Since November, Iceberg #A23a has been drifting from the Weddell Sea to warmer waters. But what caused it to break off the Antarctic ice shelf in the first place– and how will the meltwater impact marine ecosystems?
🧊 #WHOI glaciologist Catherine Walker joined The Inquiry on @bbcworldservice to talk all things ice. 📲 Listen in at the link in bio!
Jun 10
OUR WORK
WHOI is at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of our ocean, its connections to life on Earth, and solutions it may hold to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
Our scientists and engineers lead more than 800 concurrent projects, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change and ocean pollution to sustainable food and energy production.
We operate a fleet of research vessels and vehicles, including two large ships (R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis), a smaller coastal research vessel, the iconic human-occupied submersible Alvin, and dozens of other underwater robots.
Through our higher education programs, including the prestigious MIT-WHOI Joint Program, we train new generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders-providing access to cutting edge facilities and unparalleled access to the sea.
WHOI plays a leading role in ocean communications, sharing our insights and knowledge about the ocean to the general public, policymakers, educators, and more, so we can make wise decisions about our ocean, our planet, and our future.
FEATURED PROJECTS
We have over 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff working around the globe and cutting edge laboratories to push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean.
Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator
Bringing together industry, academia, and philanthropy to develop and accelerate new climate change solutions.
Ocean Twilight Zone
Exploring the globe-spanning region beneath the sunlit upper ocean where life thrives
Ocean Worlds
Discovering the links between life in our ocean and the search for life beyond Earth
Marine Microplastics Initiative
Investigating the fate of microplastics and their impacts on marine life and human health
Super Reefs
Searching for corals around the world to help ensure a future for reefs in a warming ocean
Ocean Observatories Initiative
The NSF-funded program measures physical, chemical, geological and biological properties from the seafloor to the air-sea interface.
HADEX
Research and exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean, Earth’s final frontier
Reef Solutions
Working to protect corals and reverse the global decline of reef ecosystems