A Replacement 6000+ Meter Human Occupied Submersible for Ocean Research to be Operated by the United States National Deep Submergence Facility

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal #: OCE0120490 PI: Barrie Walden This award will support a design study for a 6000+ Meter human occupied submersible for the National Deep Submergence Facility (DSF) operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and dedicated to support ocean science research. The Ship Acquisition and Upgrade Program provides funds for ship constructions, upgrades, acquisitions, and design studies. This project will allow the PI to begin a conceptual design study for a deep submergence vehicle that may eventually replace the aging deep submergence vehicle (DSV) Alvin. A submersible capable of operating to depths greater than 6000 meters would provide US scientists access to an additional 35% of the ocean floor to carryout studies pertaining to biodiversity, biomass, and processes at work on the abyssal plain and in deep sea trenches. The study will include a detailed evaluation of new technology and hardware options. Other countries, such as France, Japan, and Russia, already have manned submersibles capable of operating to this depth. The Project Director, Barrie Walden is fully qualified to direct this project having had considerable experience in supervising the DSV Alvin, and other submersibles through his management of the DSF. ***