Deep-sea research
Geologic period: Modern
Pictured:
Remotely-Operated Platform for Ocean Science
Did you know?
The Remotely-Operated Platform for Ocean Science (ROPOS) is a 5000m capable Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that was based on a successful industrial design. Since delivery of the original vehicle in 1986, extensive modifications have been undertaken to transform ROPOS into an effective tool for deep-sea scientific applications, in close collaboration with scientific users. Modifications include development of new manipulator controls and mechanical sampling tools suited to scientific tasks, and design and construction of a scientific telemetry system to interface with scientific instruments mounted on the vehicle. The newest ROPOS vehicle, constructed in early 1997, incorporates all previous modifications and provides several new features including separate hydraulic functions for scientific applications and greatly improved vehicle and scientific telemetry systems. ROPOS is now operated by the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility (CSSF) on a not-for-profit, user-pay basis, in a unique partnership involving government, industry and universities. Learn more!