Think the age of exploration ended centuries ago? Think again: Earth’s deep seas remain some the most unknown, mysterious places known to man. Ben Evans, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will discuss modern-day oceanic exploration at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, February 2, in Schaefer Hall 106, as part of the Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquium at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Although approximately two-thirds of our planet’s surface is covered by water, we have more detailed maps of the moon, Mars, and Venus than the bottom of Earth’s oceans. In addition to addressing some of the operational challenges of conduction science at sea, Evan’s lecture will explain the relevance of ocean mapping in regards to global trade, climate change, and resource shortages.
Evans is the chief of the Data Acquisition and Control Branch in NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. He is responsible for ensuring that NOAA’s hydrographic survey data is properly distributed and archived.