Ocean-Atmosphere-Seafloor Integration Study | OASIS

OASIS Caucus (Private)

The Ocean Technology Foundation's long-term priority program is an outer continental shelf ecosystem study termed OASIS, for Ocean-Atmosphere-Seafloor Integration Study. OASIS is designed to take place in our coastal seas because these areas have abundant natural resources, high commercial and recreational value, and are increasingly impacted by coastal population growth. The hallmark of OASIS will be the use of Ocean Bases, which are similar to undersea space stations. These underwater habitats will allow for long-term ocean studies - an important next step in the evolution of ocean science. Additional new technologies, such as Fathom Explorer and a type of FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform) ship are also being designed and promoted as highly mobile alternatives to Ocean Base.

Ocean Bases are envisioned to fit within the evolving national initiative of an Integrated Ocean Observing System. As part of this system, an Ocean Base could serve as an offshore gateway, providing an open ocean fixed point for satellite linkages, and integrating coastal and onshore observing systems. Providing continuous measurements of environmental variables from the sea floor, Ocean Base could be of particular interest to those involved in climate studies, defense, and maritime commerce.

Ocean Base is a sea floor habitat whose structure stretches about 550 feet through the water column to the bottom of the sea. It provides a base above the water where visitors will prepare for their ride to the deep. An elevator system will transfer scientists, engineers, industry affiliates, students, teachers, and materials to and from a mid-water habitat, which will be kept at normal air pressure. The bottom habitat will have a high pressure chamber for scientist divers that is equal to the water pressure outside. This will allow them to come and go without having to readjust to different pressures when they return to the habitat.

Superstructure will house labs, telecommunications, berthing and dockage

(Image copyrighted by Ocean Technology Foundation)

Another important part of the OASIS program is a new patented research submarine called, MANTA, which is ideal for deepwater extended observations, surveying, sample collection, saturation diving, and hands-on operations.

Midwater observatory for research and education

(Image copyrighted by Ocean Technology Foundation)

Ocean Bases will offer the scientific, industry and government communities an unprecedented opportunity to conduct ocean research and development in four dimensions. Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories at the surface, in mid-water, and on the seafloor. Saturation diving and lockout capabilities will be possible from the ambient pressure habitat. OASIS will be integrated with satellites, data buoys, underwater robots, submersibles and surface ships to collect a broad range of environmental and experimental data in real time and on a long-term basis.

Ocean Bases will be ideal for research involving:

Climate Change Studies
Sea-Air Exchange
Ecosystem Model Validation
Monitoring System Development
Habitat Studies
Offshore Aquaculture
Human Response to Extreme Environments, and more

Bottom habitat offers labs, robot and submersible berthing, diving and long-term observations

(Image copyrighted by Ocean Technology Foundation)

Links

People Under the Sea: Habitats

Saturation Diving

How an Underwater Habitat Benefits Marine Science

A 90-second animation of Ocean Base is available. Please contact the Ocean Technology Foundation.