Science & Technology for Exploration

Today’s technologies allow us to explore the ocean in increasingly systematic, scientific, and noninvasive ways. With continuing scientific and technological advances, our ability to observe the ocean environment and its resident creatures is beginning to catch up with our imaginations, expanding our understanding and appreciation of this still largely unexplored realm.

This section highlights some of the technologies that make exploration possible today and the scientific achievements that result from this exploration. Technologies include platforms such as vessels and submersibles, observing systems and sensors, communication technologies, and diving technologies that transport us across ocean waters and into the depths and allow us to scientifically examine, record, and analyze the mysteries of the ocean.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measures the speed and direction of ocean currents using the principle of “Doppler shift”.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, are independent underwater robots used to explore our ocean.
Conservation Surveys
In situ conservation surveys are important instruments in the maritime heritage exploration toolkit.
CTD
CTD stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth, and refers to a package of electronic devices used to detect how the conductivity and temperature of water changes relative to depth.
Drifters
Using devices known as drifters, scientists can study the complexities of global ocean currents, and, in turn, the many systems that they influence. With advances in technology, drifters now provide researchers with information about ocean circulation patterns in real time.
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the genetic material shed by organisms in the water column. By collecting samples of mucus, feces, or tissue particles, scientists can process eDNA to make new discoveries about marine life.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computer-based conceptualized framework used for organizing and analyzing data related to positions on Earth’s surface.
Human-Occupied Vehicles (HOVs)
HOVs are submersibles that bring a small group of scientists, pilots, and electronic equipment down in the water column and onto the seafloor, allowing in-person research and observation.
Magnetometer
A magnetometer is a passive instrument that measures changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is a method of approximating a three dimensional structure using two dimensional images. It has become an efficient way to rapidly record underwater archaeological sites and can also be used to characterize seafloor features.
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, are submersible robots that allow us to explore the ocean without actually being in the ocean.
Remotely Operated Vehicle Seirios
Seirios is one of two of the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.
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