Deep Diver

摘要

Alvin, the first deep-sea research vessel to carry passengers, made a splash in the summer of '64. Built to replace clunky, less-maneuverable subs, Alvin had a nimble body of titanium, fiberglass and foam that could withstand the crushing pressures of the ocean while navigating the seafloor. The three-seater could dive nearly 6,000 feet and was pivotal in confirming seafloor spreading-the formation of new oceanic crust through volcanic activity along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It also helped scientists discover the first known hydrothermal vents off the coast of the Galapagos Islands and explore the wreckage of the Titanic. Under the guidance of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the next version of Alvin will be better equipped to explore even deeper. Turn to page 32 to find out how.