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Modern Ocean Research Today, teams of explorers, engineers, and scientists from every continent collaborate to broaden their understanding of the oceans. Some scientists work at sea; some use robotic exploration vehicles. Others work in laboratories on land, using sophisticated computers and tools. Research vessels are ships that have laboratories and scientific instruments onboard. Among the instruments are deep-sea corers, which collect sediment samples, and sonars, which measure ocean depth. One research vessel, the JOIDES Resolution, includes a four-story laboratory used to study samples ranging from rocks to bacteria. Another famous research vehicle, Alvin, is a three-person mini-submarine. Alvin has explored deep-sea trenches, hydrothermal vents, and the sunken ship Titanic. Investigators also use robotic mini-subs, such as Argo. Outfitted with cameras and lights, Argo can view areas of the deep ocean that are inaccessible to humans. Oceanographers use innovative technology such as satellites and moored buoys to collect data. Moored buoys (BOO-eez) float on the ocean surface, take specific measurements, and relay data to scientists via satellites. Scientists use the data to make computer models of the ocean floor or to track global trends such as ocean temperatures. An increasingly important task for oceanographers is the study of how humans affect the oceans. Pollution, oil spills, and deep-sea mining all threaten marine ecosystems. Researchers are also investigating effects of global warming, which may influence the stability of the polar ice caps, the salinity of the oceans, and the level of the sea worldwide. Some of the exciting discoveries made in ocean research could directly benefit humans. For example, a chemical found in a rare coral species shows promise as a cancer-fighting drug. Mineral towers standing near ocean floor vents may offer valuable natural resources. Newly discovered hydrothermal vents and natural gas deposits are possible energy sources. The ocean plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s weather and climate. Image not available. Please refer to the image in the textbook or in the eEdition CD. DSV ALVIN The Deep Submersible Vehicle (DSV) Alvin can take two scientists and a pilot to depths of over 4 kilometers. 22.1 Section Review 1 What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by water? 2 List three scientific devices oceanographers use in their research. 3 CRITICAL THINKING Hypothesize how global warming might affect the polar ice caps and salinity of ocean water. 4 HISTORY Explain how World War II advanced exploration of the oceans. Chapter 22 The Water Planet 491