Aquarius

	Plaster molds of various shapes are placed on the reef to help measure water motion in different locations. The plaster dissolves over time which correlates with the current speed. At this site, an Acoustic Dopler Velocimeter (the instrument with the three-prongs - but only two are visible in this picture) is also used to directly monitor current speed during the deployment of the plaster molds.
	Michael O'Donnell taking notes during an experimental run measuring oxygen concentrations. Careful notes are taken about the start and stop times when sensor probes are deployed and operational. The yellow cylindrical object in the background is the data logger for the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter, which measures current speed.
	Colorful sponges, algae, and other organisms colonize the outside of Aquarius. After several years underwater the striking "Aquarius yellow" color of the habitat is giving way to a rainbow of encrusting organisms.
	View of the Aquarius Life Support Buoy from just below the surface. The umbilical that links to Aquarius enters a pipe that penetrates completely through the buoy and exits on the upper deck, then bends broadly back down into a special fitting that connects to the inner workings of the buoy. The pipe connection prevents water from leaking into the buoy: holes in the bottom of the LSB are not a good idea! Also visible in this picture is one of the mooring lines attached to the bottom of the buoy. The LSB is fixed in a four-point mooring with a fifth emergency line connected to the center (visible) that is attached to the bottom.
	Mike Hutchens ("Hutch") in the wet porch moon pool, ready to go out on "hookah" for several hours of habitat maintenance. Valves and fittings outside Aquarius need to be scrubbed clean on a regular basis. This is a never-ending job and provides habitat technicians with an easy excuse to get out into the water whenever they can.
	Example of valves on the outside of Aquarius that need to be routinely cleaned. These valves are used to control the delivery of air and oxygen to the inside of Aquarius.
	Dean Pentcheff struggles with a connector on the data logger. Sensors are connected to the data logger (a computer) that is contained inside the waterproof PVC housing. "Wet" connectors allow the scientists to attach sensors and power cables underwater without flooding equipment or damaging sensors. In this instance, the data logger appears to be getting the best of Dean - however, he eventually prevailed and got everything working.
	Dean Pentcheff leaves the wet porch with an abundance of cables and connectors in-hand. Dean is on his way to deploy the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (measures water motion) out on the reef.
	View from outside the Aquarius Main Viewport, looking inside. Brian and Hutch are at the main table working up data sheets and typing up a journal report, respectively.