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Most people of my generation will think of something slightly different than a research vessel upon hearing the name “Falkor.” Falkor is the luck dragon from the German fantasy novel The Never Ending Story – Research Vessel Falkor is named after this character. If you have the chance to visit the ship, you will notice several … Continued

Being at sea is a way of life that most people do not get to experience. It is a unique way of life, and it is wonderful. By being on a ship in the middle of the ocean, you are very likely to see something you haven’t experienced before. That was certainly what drove Joyce … Continued

Prior to R/V Falkor’s departure from Singapore towards the Wharton Basin and the Mentawai islands, much was discussed about what could be found under the waters of the Indian Ocean. But Dr. Satish Singh was more interested in the unknown, and less intrigued by what they knew could be found. “That is how science is … Continued

“You are in my way, Pollywog!” said the Shellback menacingly. The Pollywog working at the Science Control Room had no option but to acknowledge its lower rank and move away. Science is still taking place onboard of R/V Falkor, but something else has been lurking inside the vessel. Suspicious smiles, concealed fishing nets, murmurs and costumes … Continued

In a previous blog, we talked about the recent Hollywood blockbuster San Andreas, and went on to describe the events that would likely occur if a large tsunami-generating earthquake took place in the Mentawai gap. Unlike the movies, in reality we do not have a big action star to save the day. We are on … Continued

R/V Falkor is sailing above the Sumatra trench, filled with structures ready to trigger earthquakes and tsunamis. A key question to develop hazard mitigation strategies is to discover how often those structures break. Some of the clues to answer that question come from unexpected sources. A group, led by Dr. Kerry Sieh and including scientists … Continued

This past month the movie San Andreas, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was released in cinemas worldwide. The movie speculates on the catastrophic events that could take place if the San Andreas Fault in California was to rupture. Although undeniably entertaining, the science in the movie has its faults…..sorry. For example, a strike slip fault … Continued

See where (and how) the team on R/V FALKOR has been gathering seismic data on the #MEGATERA cruise.

R/V Falkor slows down to 2 knots. At this speed, the gentle swell that has accompanied the expedition from the start cradles the ship. At the aft of the vessel, everyone involved in the deployment of the seismic reflection gear is wearing safety gear, while at the bridge the officers monitor the procedure and keep … Continued