For our DEEP project, we will be utilizing an RoV to study the deep sea. Our project ultimately hopes to replace human sea exploartion, which is a dangerous proffession, with unmanned, remotly controlled submersible. So far, we have barely scratched the surface of the deep sea, despite it being Earth's largest habitat and housing many gigatons of methane and Co2. Its an important asset to understand, but an even more important habitat to protect.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding Earth's Systems:
Exploring the deep helps us to see how the ocean interacts with the planet’s climate, including carbon sequestration and ocean currents.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems:
The deep sea covers 90% of earth's livable area, and contains unique ecosystems and species, most of which adapted to extreme pressures and temperatures.
Climate Change:
Exploring the deep sea can help us understand how the ocean is affected by climate change, especially in ocean acidification, ph levels, and warming.
Resource Management:
It’s important to explore the deep sea as many resources are held there which helps us manage fisheries and minerals sustainably.
Marine Hazards:
The deep sea can lead us to better predict marine events, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.