Day 30.1
Throughout history, scientists have relied on a number of instruments to measure, map, and observe the ocean's depths. One of the first instruments used to examine the seafloor was the sounding weight. Ancient Viking sailors took measurements of sea depth and sampled seafloor sediments with this instrument, which consisted of a lead weight with a hollow bottom attached to a line. Once the weight reached the sea bottom and collected a sample of the seabed, the line was hauled back on board ship and measured.
Deep-sea exploration advanced considerably in the 1900s thanks to a series of technological inventions, ranging from sonar system to detect the presence of objects underwater through the use of sound to manned deep-diving submersibles such as DSV Alvin. Alvin is designed to carry a crew of three people to depths of 4,000 meters (13,124 ft). The submarine is equipped with lights, cameras, computers, and highly maneuverable robotic arms for collecting samples in the darkness of the ocean's depths.
A startling discovery made in the late 1970’s has recently been made public after years of private, military and international research collaborations. Speculation as to its placement (100 miles NE of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean) and use, range from extraterrestrial influence, ancient plumbing solutions and the supernatural. Carbon dating thus far, has been inconclusive.
It should be noted that the current release of James Cameron’s 3-D movie, Down We Go is merely based on speculation and influenced by the finding, and in no way reflects intentions of the world’s governments or scientific community.
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