In 2009, the hybrid remotely operated vehicle Nereus became stuck in a patch of muddy seafloor at 5000 meters depth. To regain the vehicle’s buoyancy, chief scientist Chris German made the difficult decision to jettison an isobaric gas-tight sampler (IGT) designed by WHOI chemist Jeff Seewald to capture hydrothermal vent fluids at their source. As he promised, German led a team back to the site in 2013 and, working with Nereus engineers, retraced their path and relocated the sampler, which made Seewald (pictured) a very happy scientist. Seewald and his IGTs are taking center stage once again this month during a Dive and Discover expedition to the mid-ocean ridge off the Pacific Coast of Mexico. (Photo by Jill McDermott, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
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The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to research and education to advance understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicating this understanding for the benefit of society. Learn more »
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