Ocean Adventure
Dive Briefing

 

Introduction

Hydrothermal vents are mysterious geysers deep on the ocean floor that support bizarre oases. They are so strange, in fact, that they occasionally make front-page news. Sometimes the headlines sound as if they belong in those tabloids on display at supermarket checkout stands.


We'll take a journey of discovery to find out the facts behind these headlines. We'll go down about 2222 meters (7290 feet) to the ocean floor in the DSV Alvin, a submersible maintained and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

This underwater image shows the front part of DSV Alvin and some of the scientific research equipment, such as cameras and baskets, that is attached to it.
The Alvin underwater. Note the scientific research equipment attached to the front of the submersible, such as cameras and baskets.


This is a special ship, battery-powered, that can withstand the tremendous pressure of these depths. It is part of a larger research vessel, called the mother ship, which transports the submersible and an important team of scientists-- marine biologists, microbiologists, chemical oceanographers, physical oceanographers, and marine geologists--to oceans around the world. Meet the Scientists by clicking here.

Before entering, remove your shoes and belt buckles. They could damage the watertight seal. Bring along warm clothes, but no nylon that could pose a fire hazard. Ready? Then let's climb down the ladder.


This image shows one wall of the Alvin covered with monitors and switches
as well as crew seats.


It's really crowded in here. There is room for three of us--you, me and the pilot--in a space about the size of a bathtub. The Alvin itself is about the size of a minivan. If all goes well, we'll be down for about 8 hours. We'll be cold and wet, because the ambient seawater temperature is about 2°C, or just above freezing, and our titanium sphere has no heater.

We're about to be lowered into the water. It's a good time to go over the basics of vents while the divers check the outside of the submersible.


What does a vent look like? -->
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