Sub seeker

An unmanned submersible able to operate on its own in demanding environments has helped scientists pinpoint optimal locations for two observation sites for a seafloor laboratory being planned off the coasts of Washington and Oregon.

Successful selection of the two sites is a crucial step in developing a sensor network above and below the seafloor on the Juan de Fuca Plate, according to John Delaney, University of Washingtonoceanographer and chief scientist.

The network, which will be connected to land by underwater cables from locations near Warrenton and Pacific City, Oregon, will help unlock secrets about the ocean’s ability to absorb greenhouse gases and help scientists learn how seafloor stresses cause earthquakes and tsunamis.

The researchers plan to lay cables from two places on land that will extend to five primary nodes. Like underwater extension cords, the nodes will supply power to - and communicate with - instruments, robots and smaller secondary nodes.