Deep submergence research conducted during the period 1 January through 31 December 1968

Abstract

The Deep Submergence Research Program at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (W.H.O.I) , carried out by the Deep Submergence Engineering and Operations Section (DSE&OS) of the Department of Ocean Engineering, had several highlights and one major casualty during 1968. The operations were carried out in the vicinity of Woods Hole except for an expedition to the Azores in August, from early April through the middle of October when ALVIN sank as the result of a cable break on the launch cradle. At least two firsts were established - one the first hard-rock sample in-situ in deep water and the first direct observation of a deep seamount. Science and engineering tasks were carried out. More sophisticated tools, sampling and recording devices and an underwater navigation system were developed and tested during the operating period. A new submersible, christened SEA CLIFF in December, is being assembled and tested at Electric Boat Division (EB) of General Dynamic corporation for delivery about mid-year 1969. Preparations for the support and maintenance of this DSRV is being undertaken. An unsuccessful attempt to find and recover ALVIN was made with the General Motors (GM) DEEP OCEAN WORK BOAT (DOWB) in November. The attempt was thwarted mainly by extremely bad weather and also equipment failures on DOWB during the one dive that was made.