9623204 LJUNGGREN In 1996, Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory will operate the research vessel MAURICE EWING in support of NSF-sponsored research. The EWING is a 230' general purpose research vessel with specialized capability in marine geology and geophysics. The vessel is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by Lamont-Doherty through a 5-year charter agreement. The EWING is capable of operating world wide and will support cruises in the south Pacific Ocean and the north Atlantic Ocean in 1996. The ship is scheduled for 319 operational days in 1996, of which 315 are in support of NSF-sponsored marine geology and geophysics programs. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation in support of oceanographic research. Most oceanographic projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from the ship's crew members. Increasingly research projects require equipment which must be permanently installed on the vessel, thus requiring specialized vessels. These vessels do not operate the same as general cargo/fishing vessels, therefore NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research that are operated by universities and research institutes around the country. ***
