noaa's video: NOAA Ocean Today video: Arctic Exploration

The Arctic is one of the most remote and uncharted areas of the world. With so many amazing things just waiting to be discovered, Arctic exploration is truly a new scientific frontier. http://oceantoday.noaa.gov/arcticexploration/welcome.html and http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/reportcard/ ------------------------------------------ TRANSCRIPT: The Arctic region includes a vast, ice-covered ocean. This pristine yet rugged environment is one of the least explored and understood places on Earth. Due to climate changes, summer Arctic ice cover is diminishing, and scientists therefore believe it is vitally important to get a better understanding of this environment and what impact future changes might bring to our world. Operating from the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy, NOAA scientists have been involved in studying the sea ice, the water column, and the sea floor. Their missions have used the latest cutting-edge technology. One recent expedition sent a remotely operated vehicle, equipped with a high definition camera, as deep as 9000 feet, providing us with a never-before-seen view into the frigid waters. By using the ROV, multi-nets, and bottom trawlers, scientists were also able to collect samples of creatures in the water column and on the sea floor, some of which were previously unknown. A technique called ice coring was also utilized to help gather information on sea ice algae. All of this research has helped create a more complete understanding of the Arctic food web, and the linkages that exist between the ice, water, and sea floor in this harsh environment. Scientists aboard the Healy have also been mapping the Arctic sea floor. A multibeam echo sounder has been used to create three-dimensional views of the bottom of the ocean. These maps can help scientists understand the geological aspects and the climate history of the Arctic. This technology also led to the discovery of a new and complex underwater mountain. The Healy seamount is a stunning find that rises more than 3,000 meters off the ocean floor. The Arctic is one of the most remote and uncharted areas of the world. With all the amazing discoveries hidden in the ice and water, Arctic exploration can truly be considered a new scientific frontier.