The Deep Ocean Exploration Institute (DOEI) supports research in
a diversity of oceanographic, geological and technology fields
all aimed at better understanding the dynamic planetary processes
occurring in the deep ocean and within Earth’s interior.
These intertwined processes are the pulse of planet Earth.
They help regulate where and how magmatism and earthquakes
occur, and the evolution of ocean chemistry. They also profoundly
influence biological, microbiological and geo-biochemical
processes occurring in the deep ocean and within Earth’s
interior. The development and implementation of innovative
technologies that seek to image, sense, and sample remote
areas of the deep ocean and Earth’s interior are also
essential elements of DOEI’s mission.
To support these pursuits, in 2005 we funded six new research
projects that encompass all of the Institute’s research
areas involving Seafloor Observatory Science, Fluid Flow in
Geologic Systems, and Earth’s Deep Biosphere (see map
below). Additional DOEI discretionary funding was provided
to other researchers and students to help facilitate opportunities
for science and engineering. In addition, DOEI currently supports
two research Fellows (Stan Hart and Greg Hirth, both GG),
one post-doctoral fellow and a graduate student in its efforts
to expand the research options available to scientists and
engineers in all departments at WHOI.
DOEI-sponsored activities have also included outreach in
various forms. In 2005 Dan Fornari met with delegations in
the U.S. Congress to discuss the importance of basic research
and oceanographic research, and support increased funding
for the National Science Foundation. Dan also presented a
keynote address, “Oceanography in the 21st Century,”
to senior management in the oil and gas industry in Houston
as part of an international conference. Public and educational
outreach is also a focus of DOEI activity through the Dive
and Discover™ web site. Dive and Discover continues
to be an important part of the WHOI outreach program for K-12
students and the general public, and in 2005 received more
than 46,000 visits per month. In 2005, Dive and Discover hosted
Expedition 9, a revisit to the Galapagos Rift, which included
Alvin diving and deep-sea camera exploration for hydrothermal
vents. More than 26,000 visitors followed the two-week expedition
in May 2005.
Click on the yellow stars below for more information about the 2005 DOEI Research Project Locations