The Age of Aquarius

by Sheril R. Kirshenbaum     Department: Science & Society

Ever stare out at the great blue wondering what's going on below the ripples that seem so serene?  When I do, I often envision the myriad of whales, corals, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and all sorts of critters going about their day in a maze of complex interactions that we can only imagine from up here.  So what's really happening just below the surface?



We now have the unique opportunity to find out a little more at America's Innerspace Station where the famous aquanauts live as they conduct experiments and get a close-up look at Florida's coral reefs.   Aquarius is an underwater ocean lab in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary three and half miles offshore and 60 feet below!  This research station is owned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and operated by the National Undersea Research Program (NURP).  So going on down there anyway?  Well, take a deep breath before clicking on one of the labs four webcams for an idea... 

Marine biologists dive down to Aquarius to learn more about ocean communities.  These scientists live inside so they can conduct research on the seafloor for extended periods of time.  Saturation diving affords a means to understand life under the sea - not only to find out more about what's really there, but also to collect new information about our planet and, in turn, ourselves.   The intrepid expedition team this year explored coral reefs and students and teachers were encouraged to join in the 2007 mission online. 

The amazing photos above come straight from friends at the National Marine Sanctuaries Program and for my favorite underwater shot, check out my post at The Intersection.

Tags: coral reef, marine biology, ocean

+ Add Comment