Elemental Alvin

The overhaul and upgrade of the deep submergence vehicle Alvin reached a milestone last week with  completion of the disassembly phase of the nearly 18 month-long process. The largest remaining pieces are the sub’s frame (foreground) and the personnel sphere (background). Those systems that will eventually be reinstalled on the upgraded Alvin will be inspected and refurbished over the coming months. The frame itself will be shipped to a titanium-welding facility for modifications allowing it to receive a new, larger personnel sphere later this year that will eventually permit the sub to dive to 6500 meters (21,000 feet). (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)