QUESTION:

Do you ever get tired of exploring in the ocean why or why not?

Student Name:Brookie cookie :)
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 At the end of each cruise after a putting in lot's of effort, I think we all are ready for port. Not tired of Oceanography but ready for a break. I have found through the years that as hard as it is to leave home, when I get on the ship and have a new cruise ahead of us, I look forward to all the possibilities of exploration.

QUESTION:

Where are you guys at right now?

Student Name:lupe fransisca guadalupe
State:CA Country: USA

ANSWER:

 We are at Latitude 9 degrees 50 minutes North Longitude 104 degrees 17 minutes West Latitude and Longitude is a coordinate system for finding your location on a globe. (earth) The Geographic name of this area is; the East Pacific Rise.

QUESTION:

What is it like to be at sea?

Student Name:Angelo Paternostra
State:LA Country: USA

ANSWER:

 There is a joke that says " Being at sea is like being in prison, with the added danger of drowning" I don't see it that way at all. It can be lonely, but also beautiful. I look out my porthole now and see beautiful blue all around me, birds, sometimes fish too. The work is good. People on the ship are interesting and respect each other. It is a good feeling to have a job that let's you help do something good for our understanding of the planet.

QUESTION:

When you are controling the ship what is the hardest part? Write back please! Very excited to talk to you Wednesday!

Student Name:Tara
State:IN Country: USA

ANSWER:

 When controlling the ship the hardest part is to keep a steady heading, or course, and to adjust the speed exactly. As I approach a dock or a drifting piece of science gear that is ready to be back on to the ship, it is interesting that you think it is taking forever to get there. When you get close you realize it all is happening pretty fast. Hhhmmm, Just like life.

QUESTION:

Did you get to chose the name of the ship?

Student Name:Alexus curtis
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 No but I can tell you that the name of this ship is the same name of my fathers ship, Atlantis. I am looking at the same ships bell as was on that original oceanographic ship Atlantis. It's a nice tradition to have the same bell. I don't know who named the original Atlantis or why that name.

QUESTION:

HOW WINDY DOES IT GET AND IS IT BORING WHEN THE ALIVN GOES DOWN?

Student Name:ALEXHAYS
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 The wind today was over 25 knots and that is too windy to launch and recover Alvin. How windy does it get? Too Windy sometimes! :) but that is all relative. Today 25 -30 knots is too windy. On a day we are not diving the sub, 70 knots has been recorded. That is pretty much the Max we have seen. It gets routine but not boring when Alvin is down. When Alvin is aboard at night we do other scientific research such as water collection, or camera tows. Sometimes we dredge for rocks, or core for mud. These samples are all important to the scientists.

QUESTION:

Because the egg you sent down to boil in the vents was fried, would it still be safe to eat?

Student Name:Calvin Huang
State:NJ Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I am going to say no, just because all the chemicals in the vent water would have been washing all over the shell. Would anything get inside past the shell? I don't know, but why take a chance :)

QUESTION:

Hi, how are you guys doing? Well I just had one question for you, since you are going underwater and everything, wouldn't there be sharks and everything underwater? How can you guys just go underwater and do that? I mean its so cool that you guys are brave like that and I'm proud of all you guys and keep it up!

Student Name:Chantel Jones
State:CA Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Yes sometimes there are sharks. Interestingly, sharks are an over exploited species. There are less sharks on our dive sites now that there were 20 years ago. The very first shark i saw while swimming for Alvin, was swimming AWAY from me. that meant it had all ready been closer and I didn't even see it! That got my attention! There was one swimmer that was so used to swimming with sharks, that he just pushes a white tip shark away with the lense of his camera. NOT ME!

QUESTION:

What's it like doing the thing you guys love to do? Do you enjoy what you do? If you guys find a new species that has not yet been discovered do you guys get to name it?

Student Name:Kendra Renea O'Dell
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Doing what you love to do is really important. In life sometimes you have to make compromises. You don't always get the jelly doughnut. But it's a good day when you do. I really do love what I do and caring has positive benefits for the crew and scientists around me. The scientists do get to name new things; Can you imagine naming the "Kendra-iffic sea clam"??

QUESTION:

How long does it take Alvin to reach the vents? How do you qualify to go on the trip? What kind of education do you need? What's the approximate cost of outfitting the voyage each year? What do you do if Alvin or Atlantis breaks down? How did Alvin get its name? How fast, on average, do the chimneys grow? Do you expect to encounter dangerous creatures? How many voyages like this have you done? What will you do with your data?

Student Name:Mrs. Vail's Fifth Graders
State:NC Country: USA

ANSWER:

 It takes Alvin an hour and a half to reach the vents at 3,000 meters dept. How many meters per minute descent rate is that? To Qualify to make the trip you need to 1) train to be a pilot, some are ex Navy, 2) Go to college as, undergraduate student, graduate, student, postdoctoral researcher, or Professor 3) Be a Research technician 4) Be a famous TV news personality The cost to outfit a voyage is close to $40,000 per day times the number of dive days in a year. Sometimes 250-300 days. When Alvin breaks down we fix it! A couple of months ago a "frangible" bolt holding one of the manipulators (arm) on, BROKE! The next day we went back and got the arm, brought it back to the ship and repaired it.

QUESTION:

What are you most excited to see or find when you go down in the Alvin?

Student Name:Chelsea Hayton
State:NJ Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I have only gone down in Alvin one time. I was excited to see the swimmers doing the job I had done, unhooking the sub in the water. The surprise was while on the way to the bottom, the Pilot turned off all the lights. We looked out the viewports and watched the phosphorescent glimmering of sea creatures as we bumped them in the water as we passed. Actually getting to the bottom was very cool, mud!, sea life and the Pilot and scientist working next to me. They even let me pick the music to play in the background :)

QUESTION:

What is your favorite part about being there and steering the boat?

Student Name:Emily
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Definitely, steering the ship in to the dock at the end of a successful cruise. Although I have to say maneuvering the ship during an Alvin recovery in rough weather is very satisfying. I love to see the crew pulling together to do the job well and SAFELY!

QUESTION:

How did you choose to be a captain of a ship?

Student Name:evan
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I wasn't positive starting out. I went to a 4 year maritime Academy, the same one my Grandfather had gone to. After I graduated I was a Third mate, I worked and took a test and became a second mate. I liked what i was doing, so continued on. I worked and took a test and became a 1st mate. After a while I took another test and became Captain. It feels good to be in a position to improve peoples lives by your actions. It's not a lot of people, 50 per trip. 50 per trip times 10 trips a year times 30 years... "Hey that adds up" Just a little help here and there everyday. That helps make for a good life.

QUESTION:

What types of scientists came on this expedition?

Student Name:Kelly
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Mostly micro biologists. The cruise letter states; The research objective centers on understanding the diversity and distribution of protists and viruses associated with hydrothermal vent systems. The scientists have come from USA, New Zealand, Mexico and Malaysia.

QUESTION:

Dear Captain Colburn III, During this expedition, what do you think will be the most difficult part of this mission? Thank you.

Student Name:Victoria
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

  Balancing all the tasks that the scientists want to do, with the time we have to do it. We have lost two dives because of bad weather. It is part of my job to help the Chief scientist use the ship to the best of it's abilities. Safety first!

QUESTION:

How did you become captain of the Atlantis and how did you get picked for this adventure?

Student Name:Devin
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I became captain , by starting as a Third mate and working my way up the ladder. It took me more than 10 years to do it. After working for 10 years on another Woods Hole Oceanographic called the Knorr, I was asked to take command of this ship. The Knorr traveled the world from iceberg filled waters to the equator.

QUESTION:

What is the most important thing you've learned so far on this expedition?

Student Name:Ahmed Al-aqel
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 The scientific findings are best asked of the scientists. I can tell you that finding out that fuel is cheaper in Mexico than it is in Coasta rica, or Galapagos, was important to learn! This ship holds 244,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Multiply THAT times the price per gallon at your Gas station! :)

QUESTION:

Is Shawn Polson on the ship with you?

Student Name:NICK N
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 YES! I will tell him you asked

QUESTION:

What is the scariest part of being at sea?

Student Name:emma
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 It isn't the sea. It is the concern that someone might be injured and require detailed medical care. I am an EMT, but I am not a Doctor!

QUESTION:

What kind of challenges do you face when the weather is bad and people need your help?

Student Name:Alexandra
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 The challenge is to get there in time! Once we recieved a distress call and the fishing boat that was sinking was only6 miles away. We got everybody out of bed prepared the small boat for rescue and steamed at full speed ahead towards the position. Before we got there the fisherman had abandoned ship and been picked up by another fishing boat. That was OK! Another time we searched for a woman who fell overboard from a boat and we never found her. It was hard to call off the search and rescue.

QUESTION:

It says that you are the captain of the ship, are you also a diver/scientist?

Student Name:Kayla
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 No I am not a diver anymore. I steer the ship during launch and recovery. I used to be a swimmer for launch and recovery of Alvin. I LOVED IT! At one point in school I said to myself, ..." I am not cut out to be a scientist, but i can drive the boat." Everyone can find their niche. I am making valuable contributions to science, by helping the scientists get their work done WELL!

QUESTION:

What's your favorite part of your job and why?

Student Name:Emily
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

  I like the people best and the work second best. The ship is steel. It takes people to bring it to life. Don't get me wrong, I love the work. I like being outside in the environment. Even though I spend too much time in front of my computer :)

QUESTION:

What special attachments does "Alvin" have that have helped you?

Student Name:Justine =: )
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

  Propellers :) Alvin's ability to move on the surface aids me during recovery. Alvin turns to a certain heading with it's propellers as the ship comes by to attach the tow line.

QUESTION:

As the captain of the boat do you rule the ship or does everyone have their own responsibility?

Student Name:Colin
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Oh Good question. How to be King?? so to speak. How to gain respect and insure good order. I can tell you for sure there is a balance to be achieved. Not rule by iron hand or by kid gloves (soft) Lead by example, be fair and consistent. Create an work environment that allows for input from others. It then must be understood that the Captain has to make a decision and that decision is to be carried out by all. Sometimes conditions change and a new set of information and a new decision process starts. Everyone has their own responsibilities but must contribute to the whole.

QUESTION:

When members of the crew are diving, do you do something else to help out?

Student Name:Alexandra
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Yes. There is an almost endless list of ship paperwork and e-mails to manage. Training The Mates on the bridge and other crew members to do the tasks of swimming, driving the small boat or running the A-Frame, all take time.

QUESTION:

How does your family feel about you being out at sea for long periods of time?

Student Name:Kayla
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 My whole family is sad on the days I leave home, even my dog! There are trade offs in most everything we do. I work for 4 months and am home for two months. During that two months I am free to go swimming and boating with my family. All the things we enjoy doing together. Having my schedule is equal to having weekends Holidays and two weeks vacation, but mine is all rolled into one. Not perfect, just different. Once when I looked for a shore job with a work week, weekend off schedule, my girls said to me " But then you won't be captain" i took that as a positive impression of my job from them. Coming home is always better than leaving home!

QUESTION:

HI! how has technology helped through your voyage?

Student Name:Emma
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 One aspect of changing technology has been the increased accuracy of Global Position Satellites (GPS) navigation systems. In the old days using a sextant and celestial navigation, finding your position to within one mile was considered good. Can you believe that the new GPS systems can find your position to within less than one meter, and that a dynamic positioning system (DP) can hold the ship on station to within that 1 meter?!

QUESTION:

What kinds of fun or difficult problems do you face on the boat? Do you stay onboard and direct the divers, or do you go into the water and dive with them?

Student Name:Danielle
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I no longer go in to the water as a swimmer. It was one of my most favorite jobs EVER! My responsibilities on the bridge of the ship outweigh my desire to have fun :) A difficult situation we face is recovering the sub in rough weather. Todays recovery will be a challenge.

QUESTION:

How do you handle bad weather?

Student Name:morgan
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 We either hunker down and ride through it, or we drive away from it before it gets to us. Always checking to see that water tight doors and hatches are closed and secure from the seas.

QUESTION:

Do you do any other jobs for a living? if so what other jobs do you do? Have you ever been under sea?

Student Name:Wyatt Campbell
State:CT Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I have no other job, just this one . I have been down in Alvin once as an observer. that was fantastic! Other than that i have done some scuba diving. You know that once you leave the surface, the light disappears quickly. Alvin has to bring it's own lights and batteries to run them.

QUESTION:

How many people are on the team?

Student Name:Tatum Ramsey
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 We have 22 crew members 24 scientists 9 Alvin Pilots and technicians I like the word team :)

QUESTION:

What is it that you miss most while being on a voyage? Is it difficult being out on the sea for such a long period of time then returning to land?

Student Name:Dennis
State:WI Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I miss my family and my Golden Retriever a lot while I am on a voyage. Being able to watch a football game would be nice. After all these years (almost 30) I have become very adjusted to the shift from sea to land. When i got home I joked I have gone from Mate to messman. My wife was also in charge now you see :)

QUESTION:

Hi, I was wondering how much air you have to take on your trip, what if you run out before the voyage ends?

Student Name:katie
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Oh good question and I don't have the most accurate answer. I just asked an Alvin Pilot in training. He said; The keep pure oxygen in big storage tanks on the ship. Pure O2 because that is the only part our body uses. Bring only what the body uses and don't waste storage space on Nitrogen and other components of "air" In the sub O2 is stored in three 72 cubic ft, scuba bottles at 2500 pounds per square in pressure. During an average 8 hour dive, the three occupants of the sub use 1000 lbs of air. At that rate of use, how many hours of O2 does Alvin carry?

QUESTION:

Where did all the water in the sea come from? Where is the salt from?

Student Name:Lauren McCormack
State:PA Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I had to ask the Chief Scientist this one :) He says that when the earth formed, water came from condensation as the earth cooled. Water condensed out of cooling rock and also out of the atmosphere. The salt came from the chemical composition of rocks.

QUESTION:

What does this mean to me?

Student Name:Cade Stocking
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Great question. This is the justification of "basic research" Sometimes you find unexpected benefits. You are looking at mold and bacteria and you discover penicilin saving hundreds of thousands of lives. When a country supports education and research we do so in hopes that the bright young minds of a new generation will make amazing discoveries.

QUESTION:

How do you collect the data and process the data to the school?

Student Name:kiersten burnett
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I am accessing your question online. The computer and satellite network is sending you my response. Pretty amazing!

QUESTION:

What is your favorite sea creature and why do you like it?

Student Name:Brooklyn L
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 I think maybe tuna fish because they are amazing animals and they taste good :) Really though, my favorite sea creature is the North Pacific Right Whale Dolphin. What a name. It is really interesting because it has no dorsal fin. Oh can it swim!

QUESTION:

On days where Alvin is unable to launch what do you as a crew do for entertainment? And what is the hardest part about being a captain of a research vessel?

Student Name:Max Kaiser
State:WI Country: USA

ANSWER:

 When the weather is too rough to launch Alvin we try to do other kinds of Oceanography. Sometimes we dredge for rocks, collect water samples or tow a camera. The hardest part of being Captain is to be fair and consistent everyday. Maybe not the hardest but one of the most important things anyway.

QUESTION:

What is the biggest animal you guys have ever seen in the deep?

Student Name:Christian Love
State:MO Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Two answers; 1) on the surface... a whale 2) in the deep it may well be the tube worms of the hydro-thermal vents named "riftia" They are about 3-6 feet long

QUESTION:

How were you able, originally to get access to the Alvin and how have you been able to get access every so many years?

Student Name:Jake
State:DE Country: USA

ANSWER:

 Alvin was built by engineers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with funding from the Navy. We built it we get to use it. We get to keep it based on many years of safe launches and recoveries and continued inovations and upgrades to Alvin.