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OUR OCEAN. OUR PLANET. OUR FUTURE.®

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

LATEST ON INSTAGRAM
⛈️🌎🌤️ We often hear about the #weather. We also hear about #climate. The two terms are related, but they're not the same thing. So what’s the difference– and why does it matter?⁠
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📲 Brush up on the nuances for #ClimateWeek! Answers await at the link in bio!⁠
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#Throwback to the old ways of doing ocean circulation experiments! Seen here in the early 1960s, #WHOI physical oceanographer Alan Faller (right) and a visiting colleague use a rotating turntable depicting #GulfStream flow patterns in bounded basins. The dark patches in the two pie-shaped basins make it easier to see the flow and circulation of water.⁠
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📸 by Jan Hahn via the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution archives

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.

KNOW YOUR OCEAN

The ocean covers more than 2/3 of Earth's surface and is a fundamental reason why life exists on Earth-but yet many know so little about it. Dive in to learn more about our ocean planet.

EXPLORE WITH US

For nearly a century, WHOI has been one of the best known and most trusted names in ocean science and exploration. Become a part of the research that shapes our understanding of the ocean, our planet, and life on Earth.