On the development of a movable laboratory for hadal science: Some preliminary considerations

摘要

Ocean science with a focus on hadal zones is now called hadal science. The study of hadal science needs the special technology support such as landers, unmanned submersibles and manned submersibles. Sending deployments to hadal depths is technically challenging and expensive, consequently, our current understanding of hadal ecological structure is still very much in its infancy. The hadal trenches and the biology and ecology of the creatures that inhabit them remain one of the least understood marine environments. In recognition of the significant potential that hadal science holds and the unique and challenging requirements that work in the deep ocean presents, Shanghai Ocean University has made a significant commitment to provide operational support for these efforts. The present authors were invited by Shanghai Ocean University from jiaolong development team to establish a hadal science and technology research center (HAST). The first focus of HAST in the next couple of years is to construct a movable laboratory for the development of hadal science in China. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the basic concepts for the movable laboratory and some preliminary considerations on how to overcome the technical challenges and funding challenge, especially the technical challenges on the development of the full ocean depth (FOD) human occupied vehicle (HOV).