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For as long as ships have been sailing the oceans, there have been observations that helped builders choose the best materials. The Falkor is built with massive amounts of metal, which then sits in a sea of salty water that wants to eat it alive. All metals tend toward corrosion, but if two different metals are … Continued

It could be assumed that given the intensity of operations in this expedition, the thought of a five-day transit through calm waters would be warmly welcomed. The scientists would perhaps take advantage of the extra time by answering neglected emails, organizing their paperwork, or cleaning a few of their instruments; but mostly, many would expect them … Continued

There are those who argue that predictability is the greatest gift of progress, the biggest merit of civilization. Our ability to explain nature through science makes the world and the universe predictable and understandable. That enables us to have a more informed and productive relationship with our natural environment and its resources. This is at … Continued

Unrelenting questions that press for a definitive, but elusive, answer are precisely the kind of questions that fuel Chief Scientist Joseph Montoya’s love for oceanography. He often goes to bed trying to solve the oceans’ latest riddle and wakes up the next morning knowing his mind was not idle. He might feel rested but is also … Continued

Scientists onboard R/V Falkor are gathering an enormous amount of water samples in order to decipher how Oxygen Minimum Zones in our Tropical Pacific work, as well as understanding how their expansion might shape our planet’s future. How do they collect the samples? In our video of the #LifeWoO2 expedition, Chief Scientist Mak Saito and … Continued

My name is Caleb Hsu, and I am the Student Opportunity Participant for the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s first research cruise of 2016. As part of the program, I will be sharing my thoughts and reflections each week as I experience and learn more about the science, technology, and people onboard this wonderful vessel. I became … Continued

The oceans are immense – so huge that most of us cannot even grasp the idea of their true dimensions. We often hear that they comprises 70% of our planet’s surface, and that without their waters, life as we know it would not be possible. Leighton Rolley, lead Marine Technician of the Life without Oxygen … Continued

Dr. Mak Saito, chief scientist of the Life Without Oxygen expedition, opens the daily morning meeting with good news: “The water has been really interesting and we’re ahead of schedule. I’d like to add one more CTD cast station.” With everyone’s attention, he elaborates, “The O2 in the water is lower than we expected. We … Continued

Anyone’s first experience traveling on the open ocean can be strange and overwhelming, but I’ve been so well taken care of onboard R/V Falkor, it has basically become a floating home away from home. The crew have gone out of their way to help with everything. You don’t hear people saying “That’s not my job” —everything … Continued