National Deep Submergence Facility

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

This award funds the National Deep Submergence Facility, which operates the Human Occupied Vehicle Alvin, the Remotely Operated Vehicle Jason II, and the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Sentry. These vehicles provide access to the deep ocean for NSF-funded research as well as research from Office of Naval Research (ONR), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal and non-federal sources. These capabilities support research that advances understanding of ocean processes, marine ecosystems, and natural hazards, benefiting society, environmental stewardship, and national interests. The award is for operational funds for the deep submergence science vehicles, listed above, in support of NSF-sponsored research. The National Facility, of which the Alvin, Jason and Sentry are the major vehicles, is supported primarily by NSF, but also by awards from ONR, NOAA and other federal and non-federal sources. All users of the facility contribute equally to annual operations through a consistent, vehicle-specific, day rate. NSF is the cognizant agency with respect to developing NDSF vehicle day rates. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.