The Global Explorer, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), is lowered from its mother ship into the sea (seen here on a previous expedition to the Arctic). A high definition video camera in an underwater housing (a large black cylinder, lower center), still digital camera (in yellow housing), and other video cameras that the pilots use to guide the ROV are mounted on the frame in front. Six lights in white reflectors will illuminate the scene when the ROV descends into the darkness of midwater. The large funnel and plastic tube on the starboard side of the ROV (lower left) compose the front end of the suction sampler. The two clear canisters on the lower frame are used to collect larger animals. This requires much skill on the part of the ROV pilot, who must use the video cameras to guide the ROV into position with an open canister below the animal, then slowly rise until the animal is inside the canister and hydraulically close the top and bottom lids before it can escape. Image courtesy of 2007: Exploring the Inner Space of the Celebes Sea.
Related Links
2007: Exploring the Inner Space of the Celebes Sea
2007: Exploring the Inner Space of the Celebes Sea: Midwater Technology
