Project FAMOUS: Operational techniques and American submersible operations

Research Article| April 01, 1977 Project FAMOUS: Operational techniques and American submersible operations ROBERT D. BALLARD; ROBERT D. BALLARD 1Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar TJEERD H. VAN ANDEL TJEERD H. VAN ANDEL 2School of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1977) 88 (4): 495–506. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1977)88<495:PFOTAA>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation ROBERT D. BALLARD, TJEERD H. VAN ANDEL; Project FAMOUS: Operational techniques and American submersible operations. GSA Bulletin 1977;; 88 (4): 495–506. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1977)88<495:PFOTAA>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract The diving operations associated with Project FAMOUS utilized an advanced deep-diving submersible with many capabilities, including a highly accurate positioning system. As the capabilities and mode of operation of this submersible in the context of a major research project are not well known, the operational techniques are described in some detail. Project FAMOUS dive operations relied upon extensive regional and intermediate-scale surface-ship studies prior to and during the dive period. These provided the basic geological and geophysical context in which the studies by the submersible Alvin were placed. The detailed bathymetric charts provided by the U.S. Navy on the basis of multi–narrow-beam echo-sounding, precision submersible navigation, advanced submersible data logging, and post-cruise processing systems furnished an accurate frame of reference for the dive operations as well as for the subsequent studies of the tectonic and volcanic processes within the rift on a scale not hitherto possible. The integration of the dive data with this and other surface ship information was subject to various difficulties which are discussed. Dive tracks adjusted to the basic frame of reference of the Navy bathymetry, a revised bathymetric chart for the dive area, and sample locations and particulars are provided. The FAMOUS operations furnished, in addition to the scientific results, a much better understanding of the best mode of operation for detailed deep – sea-floor studies that utilize a combination of surface-ship and submersible techniques. The lessons learned during this project are discussed in some detail. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.