Transcript from "Sharing the Excitement of Ocean Exploration: A Tweet Chat"
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Tweet Chat with Catalina Martinez and LTJG Brian Kennedy on May 1. Catalina and Brian talked about using cutting-edge telepresence technology to explore the depths of the ocean. In case you missed it, we've copied the transcript from the conversation below (with Twitter user names removed).
Hello! Welcome to our Tweet Chat on using technology to share the excitement of ocean exploration. #OE2020
Today we are joined by Catalina Martinez and LTJG Brian Kennedy, two pro ocean explorers w/ cool jobs. #OE2020
Cat & Brian coordinate explorations on #NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, the only federally funded ship dedicated to ocean exploration. #OE2020
To participate, please submit your questions and comments using the #OE2020 hashtag. We will answer as many as we can.
Let's start off with a little background on how this "virtual" ocean exploration works. #OE2020
Okeanos Explorer is equipped with "telepresence" technology, which lets scientists participate on a cruise w/o being on the ship. #OE2020
Q1: how many new invertebrates have you all encountered? #OE2020
A1: Our goal is to characterize an area, not ID individ species. The science community works w/ us to add value to our data. #OE2020
A1: However, we do stump the scientists often! #OE2020
Q2: where is the Okeanos Explorer right now? #oe2020
A2: Okeanos is currently off the coast of NC, on its way to Charleston, SC. Check this site: http://go.usa.gov/TmrQ #OE2020
Q3: Where do you plan to explore in 2013? #OE2020
A3: In 2013, we'll be exploring deepwater North Atlantic Canyons. Tune in for live coverage! #OE2020
Q4: is this technology being widely used for sea floor exploration? #OE2020
A4: Telepresence is new to ocean science, but it's catching on. 2 ships have integrated systems: Okeanos & @EVNautilus. #OE2020
Q5: what's the benefit of telepresence? #OE2020
A5: Telepresence signif increases efficiency of ocean exploration & increases the pace & scope of discoveries. #OE2020
A5: Telepresence also enables unlimited access to ocean discoveries -- & data & info -- in real time. #OE2020
Q6: How much money was necessary? #OE2020
A6: Info about all publicly funded expeditions can be found via @NOAAComms. #OE2020
Q7: Will the use of robots/technology at sea lead to fewer future oceanographers going out to sea? #OE2020
A7: Oceanographers will always need to go to sea, but telepresence allows more people to participate realtime in cruises. #OE2020
Q8: What system do you have on board for internet connectivity? and what speeds can you get? #OE2020
A8: VSAT for satellite uplink & we use 20 Mbs for transmission of data/video to shore during an ROV cruise. #OE2020
Q9: what kind of qualifications does an operator of an operation like this need? #OE2020
A9: An expedition like this requires people from many different backgrounds & experience. See: http://go.usa.gov/Tm4W #OE2020
A9: See also: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/oceanage/current.html #OE2020
Q10: How do scientists get involved and participate in a cruise from shore? #OE2020
A10: For each cruise, 1-2 scientists are on ship. #OE2020
A10: Most scientists, tho, are hosted on shore by NOAA at Exploration Command Centers or @InnerSpaceCtr. #OE2020
A10: Some scientists participate via standard Internet w/ tools & systems specifically designed & set up by #NOAA. #OE2020
A10: Inner Space Center (@InnerSpaceCtr) is a hub for this technology at the Univ of Rhode Island. #OE2020
Q11: where have you explored? #OE2020
A11: Lots of cool places! Indonesia, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic & Pacific Oceans. See: http://go.usa.gov/TPtJ #OE2020
Q12: How deep you want to go? #OE2020
A12: We'd like to go as deep as we can. Our new ROV & CTD can go to 6,000 m. Our multibeam sonar can map to 7500 m. #OE2020
A12: Of course, the deepest point in ocean is a little less than 11000 m... #OE2020
Q13: What GIS work do you do on-board versus leaving for shore side work later? #OE2020
A13: On board, we do a prelimin cleaning of the sonar data & whatever is needed to plan the next day's ops. #OE2020
Q14: Where do all the data go? #OE2020
A14: All collected data are right here: http://go.usa.gov/Tmbj! #OE2020
Q15: Where are the Exploration Command Centers? #OE2020
A15: Newport, OR; Seattle, WA; Silver Spring, MD; Univ of New Hampshire; Univ of Rhode Island; Stennis Space Ctr. #OE2020
A15: There are other Exploration Command Ctrs located around the world. #OE2020
Q16: What's the most important reason for ocean exploration? What will it help do? #OE2020
A16: All life on Earth is dependent on a healthy ocean, yet 95% of the ocean is unexplored. See: http://go.usa.gov/TPuh #OE2020
A16: Our #NOAA program was developed in 2001 out of a growing concern for the state of the ocean. #OE2020
A16: We are helping develop a national program that will involve many agencies & partners. See: http://go.usa.gov/TqaJ #OE2020
Q17: What happens after you discover something? What's the next step? #OE2020
A17: We encourage the ocean science community to follow up in areas we've explored. We catalyze discovery to research! #OE2020
One of the great things about telepresence is that w/ this technology, ocean exploration isn't just for scientists. #OE2020
With telepresence, anyone with an Internet connection can watch the excitement of ocean discovery. #OE2020
We broadcast live video from the Okeanos Explorer to our website any time the ship is underway: http://go.usa.gov/TPtm #OE2020
So if you have Internet access, YOU can follow along! #OE2020
And starting May 13, you'll have the chance to. We'll be heading off the Atlantic coast to test out a new ROV. #OE2020
Live video from the ROV will be streaming directly to our website, so you can see stuff just as scientists see it. #OE2020
You can also catch live action from Bob Ballard's @EVNautilus. Check out their website: http://www.nautiluslive.org/ 
. #OE2020
Thanks for joining us. We'll be hosting more Tweet Chats soon as we get ready for Ocean Exploration 2020. Stay tuned! #OE2020
