Oceans cover 70% of the earth's surface, yet their depths remain largely unexplored. It is estimated that 90-95% of the deep sea remains a mystery. It is truly the planet's final frontier.
Exploration of the deep sea actually began with the Vikings in the 8th century. They would lower a weighted string down to see how deep the ocean was. In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan attempted to measure the depth of the Pacific Ocean. He also used a weighted line but did not touch the bottom. Numerous explorers and scientists explored the depth of the sea over the centuries, but it wasn't until 2012 that James Cameron, with the vessel Deepsea Challenger, completed the first solo dive to the bottom.
Robotic exploration is how we explore today, using ROV's (Remotely operated vehicles) tethered vehicles that are controlled by researchers on the ship. TheROV's carry cameras, manipulator arms, sonar equipment and sample containers. AUV''s (autonomous underwater vehicles) operate without human control. They generate maps, measure temperature and chemicals and take photographs. This is the future of deep sea exploration. The deepest part of the earth's oceans is in the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles below sea level.
What this all means is that man has always wanted the challenge of exploring unknown lands, planets, and oceans, and with 7 miles of water beneath us, there's lots to explore.
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