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History of Deep Ocean Technology

WHOI engineer and director of National Deep Submergence Facility, Andy Bowen, provided an overview on deep-ocean exploration at the recent WHOI public event Deep Ocean Exploration: Trenches. Bowen’s presentation focused on the development of new technology over the past 50 years that have permitted human-occupied submersibles such as Trieste and DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, as well as robotic vehicles such as Nereus, reach the deepest spot in the ocean. At more than 36,000 feet deep, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is more than one mile deeper than Mt. Everest is tall. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)