The Deep Submergence Laboratory at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will develop a prototype sampling device for an opportunistic test in early CY 1993. In February and March 1993, the Jason Project will sponsor a major expedition to the Guaymas Basin in the Pacific. An advanced ROV system will be used to take high quality video images from the seafloor and relay them to the surface support ship, thence via satellite to select sites across the U.S. where scientists and students will be able to operate certain functions of the ROV while it's on the bottom. Two NSF-funded investigators will participate. The high quality video capabilities will augment the collection of data for their NSF research, but the collection of discrete biological samples in addition to the video will greatly enhance it. A conceptual design for a new deep-sea suction sampler for use on the Jason ROV has been completed and preliminary tests have been made. This SGER funding will allow the construction and testing of a full prototype sampler in time for use during the Jason Project expedition. If scientifically successful during the Jason expedition, the sampler will be useful on upcoming NSF-sponsored cruises.
