Authors / CoAuthors
Heap, A.D. | Exon, N.F.
Abstract
A new research vessel will replace the Southern Surveyor as Australia's marine national facility in 2013. CSIRO is leading the commissioning of the new vessel. An increased level of Federal Government funding means that a very high quality vessel, with excellent equipment and adequate support staff, will be at sea for about 300 days per year from 2013. The new vessel will be about 85 m long, ice strengthened, with a large open rear deck, have a range of 12,000 nautical miles, an endurance of 60 days, and be able to carry a scientific contingent of up to 50, which is a significant improvement over the current situation. It will be a very thoroughly equipped vessel (see www. marine.csiro.au/nationalfacillity/management/RCAP_PII_Report_Exposure_Draft.pdf). As far as marine geoscience requirements are concerned, the vessel will be fitted with full-ocean depth (5-8,000 m) multibeam sonars and a sub-bottom profiler so that for the first time it can map our entire marine jurisdiction. Other essential geoscience equipment includes: deep-sea winches and heavy wire for dredging, long (up to 30 m) piston-corer, deep-water grabs with camera, and 2D capable seismic system. Detailed specifications, including equipment type and capabilities, were drawn up in 2009 and formed the basis of the Statement of Requirements based on consultation with the marine geoscience community (see http://www.iodp.org.au/index.php?p=news). There is no doubt that the new vessel will be a huge step forward for Australian marine science. There will be a focus on multi-disciplinary voyages and an active program for student participation. This vessel is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop the capability required for Australia to better understand and manage our huge marine jurisdiction. This will underpin and enhance Australia's international reputation as a leading marine science nation.
Product Type
nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
70273
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
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2601
Australia
Keywords
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- GA Publication
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- geoscience
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- marine jurisdiction
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- marine
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_Internal
Publication Date
2010-01-01T00:00:00
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geoscientificInformation
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