Expedition 13 Mail Buoy: December 13
I looked at the Alvin interactive, and wondered why the windows on the Alvin are so small?
Justin Clifford
Dear Justin:
Actually, the viewports are large for the time it was designed. The new ones will be substantially larger (and there will be two more), but the strength of the acrylic windows and strength of the sphere as a whole after holes have been cut into it to accommodate the viewports are things we have to keep in mind if we want to dive deep.
—Dave Walter, Alvin pilot
Hi,
I am interested in potentially working on a research boat, and was wondering
what qualifications are needed for ordinary or able seamen (or even cook).
Thanks!
Peter
Dear Peter,
To work on a commercial ship or research vessel as an OS (Ordinary Seaman), you need to take
classes and get your Merchant Mariners Document (MMD). You will learn things
like lifeboat handling and firefighting. Another way is to gain skills by
working with small boats at a marina or yacht club or on a fishing boat.
—Amy Biddle, ordinary seaman
Hello, I am a student in Ms. Sheild's classroom and I was wondering
what biological, chemical oceanography are? Thank you for answering my
question.
Terri Horiatis
Dear Terri:
Physical oceanography focuses on the physical processes of the ocean, such as
movement of waves and the direction of currents and sediments.
Chemical oceanography focuses on the chemistry of ocean water and its
interactions with rocks and living creatures in the ocean. This aspect looks
into the chemical composition of the ocean.
Biological oceanography focuses on living creatures in the ocean. This type of
oceanographer typically studies plankton (tiny microscopic plants and animals)
and their role in the ocean, but can also study animals as large as whales.
There is another branch of oceanography—geological oceanography—which
focuses on the geological aspects of the ocean, such as the building of shores
and beaches and the rocks associated with building the ocean floor.
—Dominique Cowart, Penn State
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