Pictures1
2
(Click on the thumbnails to view fullsize images.)
Dr. Steven Gittings working a NE transect site.
Habitat measurements are made to evaluate bottom "roughness," or
technically "habitat heterogeneity." These measurements are used
to investigate relationships between fish and the structure of the
bottom. In short, flat surfaces are less attractive to most fish.
Complex surfaces provide places to hide, or to hunt.
A self-portrait by Dr. Miller. The hood is for warmth.
Even though the water is quite warm (almost 30 degrees C), long
dives of can leave divers cold. Also, cold water upwelling events
are frequent at Conch Reef. This means that in a matter of minutes
the temperature can drop several degrees. That might not sound like
much but it makes a huge difference - hour after hour.
Returning from a night dive Dr. Gittings
checks the main viewport to see who's home. The water is teaming with
plankton and fish that are attracted by the outside lights.
Even fish sleep. A rainbow parrotfish
is caught asleep under a crevice during a night dive to the Pinnacle.
Russell Lounsbury takes a moment to smile
for the camera. High pressure air controls are to his right and a
BIBS Manifold (Built-In Breathing System) is above his head. Connected
to the BIBS Manifold (out of site) are breathing masks that would
be used in case of an emergency.
Steven Gittings waits patiently outside
the northeast gazebo while Dione Swanson and Allison White fill their
scuba tanks. Aquanauts can also communicate with Aquarius via a direct
line back to the habitat. Gazebos are like expedition outposts, located
far out on the reef, that allow aquanauts to dive for long periods
of time without having to return to Aquarius.
Curious "marine" mammals check out Aquarius.
A rare Alisonia whitinius (background) pauses on a baseplate leg -
a popular cleaning station for groupers. An equally rare Dionedon
swansonae is caught swimming past the main viewport.
