Isis ROV

International scientific challenges to be addressed in Winchester

Deep, cold water coral image taken by NOC’s ROV

One hundred and sixty scientists will descend on Winchester this week as part of a globally significant meeting to address the challenges in submarine habitat mapping.

Robot-subs inform protection of English deep-sea corals

Image of rich cold-water coral reef in the Whittard Canyon area captured by the Isis ROV

A fleet of robotic submarines, based at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), head-quartered in Southampton, have been used to map vulnerable cold-water coral reefs in the deep ocean off southwest England.

Mystery of heat loss from the Earth’s crust has been solved

Hydrothermal vent chimney at the Von Damm Vent site

The first discovery of a new type of hydrothermal vent system in a decade helps explain the long observed disconnect between the theoretical rate at which the Earth’s crust is cooling at seafloor spreading ridge flanks, and actual observations. It could also help scientists interpret the evidence for past global climates more accurately.

Robots help to map England’s only deep-water Marine Conservation Zone

An orange Roughy in a coral reef taken by the Isis ROV

The first true three-dimensional picture of submarine canyon habitats has been produced using a unique combination of marine robotics and ship-based measurements.

Future provision of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capability to the UK Marine Science Community

Isis ROV

A decision that ensures the future provision of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capability for the UK marine science community has been taken by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), working with its partners.

This ends a period of uncertainty following a shipboard incident in late January that resulted in severe damage to the Isis ROV.

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