EAGER: Evaluating the efficacy of the DSV-2 Alvin in scientific operations via a scientific verification cruise (SVC)

HOV Alvin经历了一次重大的大修和升级，自2010年12月以来一直停止服务。 升级包括：一个更大的人员空间，带有两个额外的观察窗，能够潜入6500米水深;改进的照明和成像能力;改进的指挥和控制系统;以及增加的科学有效载荷能力。 该飞行器正在接受海军海军海上系统司令部（NAVSEA）的认证恢复。 认证后，科学界必须了解飞行器在科学支持能力方面的变化，特别是底部时间，与外部传感器和设备的集成，对地速度，操纵器的敏捷性，视频质量等。该奖项为科学验证巡航提供资金。 一个由经验丰富的Alvin用户组成的团队将在10-12个潜水项目中验证该飞行器的现有能力，之后将向未来的Alvin用户提供一份报告。 计划中的潜水评估包括：* 直接观测深海和海底，深度可达4 500米;* 高清静态和视频成像/观测记录;* 系统测绘/调查海底和上覆水柱 * 收集海底和上覆水柱中的物质和生物量（有适当的取样器）;* 在海底放置/回收仪器和着陆器;* 在工作地点之间有科学上有用的有效运输时间;* 系统探索区域/栖息地/生物体。潜水目标包括：圣地亚哥海槽;德尔马尔甲烷渗漏; OMZ海底;拉霍亚峡谷;圣莫尼卡化石渗漏;圣莫尼卡土丘北部;和，推测的热液喷口（帕洛斯弗迪斯）。 计划在航行期间进行人员转移，以容纳尽可能多的不同参与者。

HOV Alvin has undergone a major overhaul and upgrade, and has been out of service since December, 2010. The upgrades include: a larger personnel sphere with two additional viewports, which will be capable of diving to 6500m water depth; improved lighting and imaging capability; improved command and control systems; and, an increased science payload capacity. The vehicle is undergoing reinstatement of certification by the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Following certification, it will be important for the science community to understand what the changes to the vehicle mean in terms of science support capability, especially bottom time, integration with external sensors and equipment, speed over ground, agility of manipulators, video quality, etc.This award provides funding for a Science Verification Cruise. A team of experience Alvin users will validate the present capabilities of the vehicle in a 10-12 dive program, after which a report will be made available to future Alvin users. Planned dive assessments include:* Direct observations of the deep ocean and seafloor to depths of up to 4500 m;* HD still and video imaging/documentation of observations;* Systematic mapping/surveys of seabed and overlying water column (with appropriate sensors);* Collection of materials and biomass at the seafloor and in the overlying water column (with appropriate samplers);* Placement/recovery of instruments and landers at the seafloor;* Efficient Transit time that is scientifically useful between work sites;* Systematic exploration of regions/habitats/organisms.Targets dives include: San Diego Trough; Del Mar Methane Seep; OMZ bottom; La Jolla Canyon; Santa Monica Fossil seep; Santa Monica Mounds North; and, Putative hydrothermal venting (Palos Verdes). Personnel transfers are planned during the cruise in order to accommodate as many diverse participants as possible.