Image of the Day

May 14, 2013

Moving Day

Yesterday, May 13, the submersible Alvin achieved a major milestone in its extensive overhaul when it returned to the stern of its support ship, R/V Atlantis for the first time since December 2010. Upgrades to the sub range from a new, larger personnel sphere to a sail painted international orange to increase its visibility. Alvin's current configuration will permit dives to 4500 meters (14,800 feet), a figure that will eventually increase to 6500 meters (21,300 feet), permitting it to help scientists explore more than 99 percent of the global seafloor. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)