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Scuba diving
Despite the fact that the ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface, we know surprisingly little about the sea and its life. Being creatures of land, humans aren't adapted to survive in water, and their exploring the ocean can be a very dangerous task. Therefore, we've had to use technology to help us. Scuba gear enables people to "breathe" underwater and to explore the ocean to depths of 130 feet with relatively little equipment. With more advanced equipment, technical divers can reach depths greater than 350 feet, but that is the limit.
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Technology
To learn more about the deep ocean, scientists employ many tools to help them "see" beneath the waves. Research vessels carry divers and equipment to areas they want to study and can serve as platforms from which to work. The vessels have communications, weather, and navigation systems to guide the vessel. The vessels' on-board computers link to other technologies to help scientists learn.
What are some of those technologies? Orbiting satellites provide a great deal of information, including mapping and meteorological data and sea surface temperature and color. An array of sensors housed in a tube called a sonde feeds data to scientists on water temperature, salinity, pH, depth, oxygen levels, and turbidity.
Such measurements help scientists anticipate algal growth, for instance. Devices called SPMDs measure waterborne pollutants, while drifters measure the path and speed of ocean currents. All of these data can be combined to create a 3-D computer map of the ocean using software called the geographic information system (GIS).
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Submersibles
Measurements from a ship or satellite are great, but there's no replacement for actually seeing the ocean depths firsthand. Because divers' ranges are limited, protective vessels-submersibles-capable of navigating in high pressure, cold, and darkness are the answer. Some submersibles aren't manned but, rather, are operated remotely. They are essentially robots that someone directs to dive, collect information or samples, and bring them back.
The most valuable submersibles are small craft that can carry a few people plus the cameras and tools for collecting samples and recording data about the water around the craft. The most famous submersible is Alvin, which can take a crew of three to depths of just over 14,500 feet. It was scientists in Alvin who, in 1977, discovered the amazing life that exists around ocean floor hydrothermal vents. Alvin has been used to study sea life and to find shipwrecks, including the Titantic. Thanks to Alvin, scientists have discovered 300 new marine species.
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Preservation
We are only beginning to "dip" into what the ocean can teach us. In addition to exploration, scientists are testing ways of using tides as a way of generating power. What scientists learn about ocean plants and animals may benefit humans in terms of new medicines or inventions.
The potential to learn from the sea is as vast as the ocean itself. But the truth is we know less about the deep ocean than we do about deep space. We must preserve our ocean and continue to develop ways to protect it from pollutants and other threats. Sanctuaries and reserves are a great start, as is the study in which you and your class are engaging as you use this guide.
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