Important Tools of the Trade in Marine Biology

 



Remote sensing – satellites are used to view large expanses of ocean at the ocean’s surface only.

Sonar – used to map seafloor depths and formations.

Scuba – used for direct human exploration of oceanic environment for longer periods and at deeper depths than would otherwise be available to man.

Remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s) – allows for direct exploration of marine environment when scuba is not an option; these ROV’s can be manned (such as Alvin mentioned in chapter 1 readings) or unmanned.

Research vessels – these floating laboratories allow oceanographers and marine biologists to explore the marine environments for weeks, months or even years without returning to a land-based facility.

Underwater Research Station - Aquarius – underwater research and residential facility located in the Florida Keys. This underwater lab is located approx. 60 feet underwater and allows researchers to stay at this depth for days or weeks without surfacing (eating, sleeping, laboratory work, etc. – everything is done here (think of it like an airtight Winnebago!)
Read more about Aquarius at http://www.uncw.edu/aquarius/

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