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Only a portion of the potential of the oceans has been tapped, but it is clear that exploring and improving our understanding of the ocean and its influence on global events are among our most important challenges today.
Few locations on Earth are as remote as the deep oceans. Although more than 1,500 people have successfully climbed Mount Everest, more than 300 men and women have journeyed into space, and 12 men have walked on the moon, only two people have descended and returned in a single dive to the deepest parts of the ocean, and they spent less than 30 minutes in a cloud of sediment on the ocean, bottom (Exploration, 2003).
The ocean remains one of Earth's last unexplored frontiers. Covering over 70 percent of the surface of the earth, the oceans regulate our weather and climate, sustain a large portion of Earth's biodiversity, and provide humanity with substantial living and nonliving resources. Despite our intimacy with the sea, much of the world's oceans and ocean floor remain unexplored. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that between 95 and 99 percent of the ocean floor is unexplored. The ocean floor is the last frontier on earth, and explorations will yield discoveries that may shake the very foundations of centuries-old beliefs about the basic nature of the earth itself.
Until recently, the obstacles facing deep-sea exploration were almost insurmountable. Venturing into complete darkness, frigid water, and extremely high pressure made research nearly impossible. The technology of deep-sea exploration has advanced from twine and cannon ball soundings to ocean surveys from space and robotic exploration of the deep ocean floor. Recent advances in manned submersibles and remotely operated vehicles are now making the deep seas more accessible. Technology, fueled by scientific curiosity, has revealed the deep ocean as a dynamic geological environment. The discoveries of intricate ecosystems at mid-ocean volcanic vents and the unexpected diversity of marine life are revolutionizing biological science.
A Brief History of Deep-Sea Exploration
Deep-sea exploration is the investigation of the physical, chemical, and biological conditions at the bottom of the ocean for scientific and commercial purposes. Throughout history, scientists have relied on a number of specialized tools to measure, map, and view the ocean's depths. One of...