THE PROBLEM 



Conduct environmental studies at great depths in the 

 ocean using the bathyscaph TRIESTE as a research vehicle. 

 Also, modify and improve the bathyscaph for research 

 purposes. 



RESULTS 



1. The dive series of Project NEKTON I proved the 

 practicability of manned vehicle descents for research 

 purposes to the deepest known depths in the ocean. The 

 satisfactory operation of the various vehicular components 

 and the scientific instrumentation under conditions of deep 

 submergence and exposure to high hydrostatic pressure 

 demonstrated the validity of the design principles that have 

 been incorporated in the TRIESTE. 



2. The scientific observations and measurements 

 made during Projects NEKTON I and II yielded valuable 

 new data on sound velocity; temperature and salinity struc- 

 ture; water clarity; bioluminescence; the distribution of 

 suspended particles and plankton; water current at great 

 depths; sea floor features; and the general environmental 

 conditions in the deep Marianas Trench. For example, 

 bathyscaph scientists have: 



a. Found that, in general, measured values of 

 sound velocity at great depths were less than those computed. 

 Sound speed at a depth of 5760 meters on Dive 76 south of 

 the Marianas Trench was about 1555 meters per second. 



b. Determined the presence of intermittent cur- 

 rents on the deep sea floor, a phenomenon which present 

 physical oceanographic theory has not explained. 



c. Proved that particulate matter exists to some 

 degree to all depths in the oceans. 



d. Established that, with proper lighting, water 

 conditions in the deep oceans permit visual observations 

 to distances of up to 60 feet. (This opens up a huge and 

 potentially most important new field for in situ observa- 

 tions- -visual oceanography. ) 



e. Discovered such previously unknown facts about 

 the Marianas Trench as that it has a wide flat floor; that 

 currents are not active in it (at least not continuously); that 



MBL/WHOI 



D D3D1 ODMDSSD E 



