Research and
Education:
Volcanoes-
Exploration-
Life

The REVEL program is an opportunity for teacher participation in scientific research at sea. This year's (pilot) project will focus upon the physical, chemical and biological processes associated with active volcanic and hydrothermal systems located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, a submarine spreading center located 200 miles off the Washington-Oregon Coast.

While hands-on involvement at sea will be limited to 10 science teachers of grades 7-14 in the State of Washington, much of the excitement of science and exploratory research as possible will be conveyed virtually through this World Wide Web site and interactive features, like email correspondence with the educators and scientists at sea. Furthermore, materials and information collected and analyzed on the cruise will be made available for classroom use.

In order to efficiently learn from and contribute to the REVEL cruise, it is important to become familiar with the scientific study of hydrothermal vent systems. Because investigation of the ways in which life is intertwined within these systems is rich in conundrums and highly-specific knowledge, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

Consequently, before delving into too many specifics, you may want to become oriented to the general nature of vents, take a "virtual field trip" to the Endeavour segment, the volcanic ridge in Northeast Pacific where REVEL science will focus, and peruse recent vent-related events and scientific discoveries. Take your time to explore, and don't hesitate to converse electronically; email your questions and comments.

With a general background in the nature of hydrothermal vent systems, and after a brief orientation to the state of vent system science, one avenue to further inquiry is the burgeoning scientific literature. Follow your curiosities through the readings recommended by scientists who will participate in the cruise. Additionally, you can prepare for the intellectual exchanges which will occur during the cruise by previewing the abstracts of lectures that will be given at sea by each principal investigator.

The cruise will be preceeded by an orientation to the Research Vessel Thompson, and an on-shore lecture series designed to further hone your ability to formulate new questions and guide the research efforts (which are often dynamic in response to the ocean's demeanor!) during the days spent working above the Endeavour segment.