"Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature." Tom Robbins.

"The whole secret of the study of nature lies in learning how to use one's eyes.", George Sand

Marine Geologist Interested in the interaction between volcanism, tectonism and hydrothermalism along mid-oceanic ridges, I have mostly worked with data acquired by submersibles, deep-towed instruments and remotely-operated vehicles that explore and image the seafloor. Research Focus My research involves: - the spatial definition of hydrothermal sites along ridge segments - the relationship between tectonic processes and the location of active hydrothermal sites - the high-precision physical and morphological characterization of active hydrothermal vent fields and of individual sulfide deposits, and - the study of the evolution of such deposits and their longevity. Using a newly-developed method of field mapping combining high-precision bathymetry and geological observations from submersible dives as well as side-scan sonar images interpretations I have enjoyed producing precise geological maps of the seafloor. The detailed morphology of sulfide edifices helps me investigate the evolution of these sulfide "chimneys" and hydrothermal vent fields through time. Geographical areas of research Hydrothermal systems on the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, N.E. Pacific Ocean and the Guaymas Basin in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

Education Focus Bridging the gap between K-12 Science Education and Scientific Research Bringing earth and marine sciences into classrooms through outreach programs, curriculum development and teachers professional development programs is another of my passions. - In 1996, the Research and Education : Volcanoes, Exploration and Life (REVEL) Project was initiated at the School of Oceanography, and gained national recognition in 1998. I have served as science-education liaison between teachers and scientists since the inception of REVEL. I also direct this professional development program for K-12 teachers. REVEL provides educators experience in the research process by engaging them in sea-going cruises and collaborating with scientists studying mid-ocean ridges volcanism and hydrothermalism. REVEL Project - Since 1998, collaboration with museums, private, and public institutions to produce standard-based teaching activities, CD-ROMs and interactive websites on oceanographic and geological themes has increased my awareness of the challenges faced by scientists and educators in the Science Education Reform . Deep Sea Vents - A strong advocate of blending basic research and education at all levels, I was a member of: Steering Committee of the NSF initiative Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE). In 2002 seven COSEE centers were funded by NSF to start bringing Ocean Sciences to all across the U.S. COSEE report. The Ridge 2000 Education and Outreach Advisory Committee from 2001 to 2003. R2K Education and Outreach and contributed to the development of the SEAS "Student Experiment At Sea" program. Science Education, Culture and Languages Having personally benefited from a multilingual and multicultural education, I enjoy facilitating the Marine Language Exchange Scholarship Program a multi-institutional program that provides undergraduate students opportunities to study marine sciences abroad. Six U.S. and European Community universities collaborate to help students expand their knowledge of the oceans in English, French and Spanish. Marine Language Exchange Scholarship Program

I have been very fortunate to dive in deep-sea submersibles (DSV Alvin, U.S. Navy DSRV Turtle and SeaCliff) and to use the Jason/Medea Remotely-Operated Vehicle system and the Canadian ROPOS Remotely-Operated Vehicle. I am always eager to share these experiences with classrooms, science teachers and the general public.

July 2004 R/V Atlantis. Launching the CTD package. Photo courtesy of REVEL 04.

September 2000 R/V Atlantis and Alvin submersible. The poetry of Alvin at sea. Photo courtesy of REVEL 00

August 1999 R/V Atlantis. Port observer in the submersible Alvin. Photo by Alvin pilot BLee Williams.

September 1997 R/V Atlantis. The Jason ROV. Photo courtesy of REVEL 97.

University of Washington
School of Oceanography
Box 357940
Seattle, Washington 98195-7940
tel: (206) 543-9282
fax: (206) 543-0275
vero@ocean.washington.edu

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Véronique Robigou

© Véronique Robigou / vero@ocean.washington.edu

All photographs by Véronique Robigou unless otherwise noted.
Last modified: June 2006.