Ballard's telepresence project exploring the Flower Garden Banks marine sanctuary

Ballard's Telepresence Project To Unlock Undersea Secrets Of Gulf Marine Sanctuary

The article concerns the latest projected effort of Dr. Robert Ballard and a team of scientists. This team has been assembled to explore the NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary undersea area, located about 114 miles from the Texas/Louisiana coast. Its attraction for research relates not only to its unique geology and biology, but also to the fact that it could be explored for evidence of earlier human habitation than has been found to date. The sea level was much lower during the ice age, and it is estimated that the area under investigation could have been the site of early human settlements during this period.

Another focus of exploration will be the protective cover the area provides for animals that travel between gelogic features - what the article refers to "hidden highways" between the Flower Garden Banks and other reefs and banks.

The expedition is to last for one week, with the team of geologists, biologists and marine archaeologists to use a nuclear-powered research submarine, a remotely operated vehicle, and scuba divers for their explorations. The research submarine, the NR-1 is provided by the U.S. Navy, and is the country's only nuclear-powered submarine used for underwater research. The submarine holds video cameras, sample-collection equipment and other tools that will help the researchers in their quest to map the sea floor.