R/V Marcus G. Langseth - Oceanographic Instrumentation 2016

DESCRIPTION: A request is made to fund additional and back-up equipment on the R/V Marcus Langseth, a 235? Global seismic vessel with general oceanographic capabilities. The vessel is owned by NSF and operated by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University under a cooperative agreement. The Langseth is different than other vessels in the Academic Fleet in that it is a designated National Facility. It provides a unique combination of capabilities for imaging the oceans, the seafloor and the solid earth beneath the sea. It is the only vessel in the word dedicated to academic research that is capable of conducting 3D seismic surveys as well as extended offset 2D surveys. The tuned, linear source array, consisting of up to 36 air-guns, with a total capacity of 6,600 cu in is also unique asset of this vessel. In 2015, R/V Langseth completed 194 days, 130 (67%) of which were NSF funded. In 2016, the schedule shows 165 days, all of which are for NSF. Oceanographic Instrumentation requested in this proposal includes: (1) Kongsberg Seapath 330 $44,320, (2) Gun Umbilical and Utility Winches Wireless Controls $96,959, (3) Two SEAL Streamer Communication Units $56,160. Broader impacts: The principal impact of the present proposal is under Merit Review Criterion 2 of the Proposal Guidelines (NSF 13-589). It provides infrastructure support for scientists to use the vessel and its shared-use instrumentation in support of their NSF-funded oceanographic research projects (which individually undergo separate review by the relevant research program of NSF). The acquisition, maintenance and operation of shared-use instrumentation allows NSF-funded researchers from any US university or lab access to working, calibrated instruments for their research, reducing the cost of that research, and expanding the base of potential researchers.