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Science

Alvin: Pioneering the Depths, Unveiling Ocean Mysteries

Saturday 01 June 2024 - 11:05

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Commissioned in 1964, the pocket submarine Alvin has undergone a transformative upgrade, diving into abyssal depths and unlocking new horizons for scientific exploration. With a remarkable $50 million investment, this United States Navy research submersible now delves to an astounding depth of 6,500 meters, revealing 99% of the ocean floor. This milestone promises groundbreaking discoveries of previously unseen ecosystems and organisms, marking a significant advancement for the scientific community.

Marine ecologist and biological oceanographer Lisa Levin from the University of California, San Diego, expresses excitement about this opportunity. "People know they're there," she says, referring to the mysterious denizens of the abyss. "But no one has truly observed them." Indeed, the oceans remain largely uncharted, with access to the deepest biomes proving exceptionally challenging. Initiatives like Alvin's upgrade, alongside projects such as the RAD2 robot, are vital for expanding our understanding.

Alvin: Pioneering Undersea Exploration

Since its inception six decades ago, Alvin has reshaped oceanic research. It facilitated breakthroughs like the discovery of hydrothermal vents in 1977, advanced studies of plate tectonics, and precise mapping of ocean topography.

Initially capable of diving 2,000 meters, Alvin's capacity was extended to 4,500 meters, covering 68% of the ocean floor. Other nations, including France, Russia, Japan, and China, have developed submersibles capable of reaching depths beyond 6,500 meters. China's Fendouzhe, unveiled in 2020, can dive over 10,000 meters with three people aboard.

Alvin's recent upgrade has been long-awaited. Authorized by the National Science Foundation in 2004, the enhancement was initially scheduled to produce a new $22 million submersible by 2007. However, unforeseen challenges, including cost overruns and technical difficulties, delayed the project.

Ultimately, the decision was made to renovate the existing submarine. Today, Alvin boasts a thicker titanium hull, reinforced seals, a more spacious interior, improved cameras, and a larger sample basket. According to Jeffrey Marlow, an environmental microbiologist at Boston University, these upgrades enable exploration of previously unknown areas.

Exploring Deep-Sea Ecosystems

Alvin's advancements offer scientists unprecedented prospects for undersea exploration. It can transport crews to abyssal plains, vast expanses covered in sediments nearly 6,000 meters deep, often rich in precious minerals coveted by the mining industry.

To complement Alvin's capabilities, two new autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), Orpheus and Eurydice, will accompany future voyages, such as the planned expedition to Alaska. Although Alvin can now explore 99% of the ocean floor, the remaining 1% represents over half of the ocean's depths. These AUVs, designed to be cost-effective and easily replaceable, will map areas for exploration and conduct independent research, such as extracting sediment cores and capturing high-definition photographs.

Robotics in submersibles are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Some experts, like Weicheng Cui of Westlake University in China, believe manned submarines' era is ending. However, Lisa Levin, who has dived 50 times with Alvin, maintains that direct experience remains irreplaceable. Regardless, Alvin, with its recent upgrade, is poised for continued service, promising to reveal more of the ocean's secrets in the decades ahead.