IPFS News Link • Underwater Exploration and Living
How Scientists Upgraded Alvin Into a Superpowered Sub
• http://www.wired.com, By Jeffrey Marlow1. Video System During one of Alvin's first return missions, its five new HD cameras and high-intensity LEDs captured a tiny ice worm grazing on a chunk of frozen methane hydrate.
2. Viewports The old Alvin had 5-inch viewports?they could endure deep-sea pressure, but it was hard for scientists to see. Engineers doubled the area of its three forward-looking windows for a better view.
3. Sample Basket Scientists need to transport seafloor samples to onshore labs for analysis. Alvin's new basket features twice the capacity (400 pounds) to haul heavy gets.