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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.
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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