What was the Kaikō ROV and what was its primary purpose?

Kaikō was a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) constructed by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Its main purpose was the exploration of the deep sea, allowing scientists to study environments far below the ocean's surface.

What does the Japanese name 'Kaikō' translate to in English?

The name 'Kaikō' translates from Japanese to 'Ocean Trench'.

How many vessels had reached the Challenger Deep by 2019, and was Kaikō among them?

By 2019, only five vessels had successfully reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep. Kaikō was one of these pioneering vehicles, achieving this feat.

What was the operational timeframe for the Kaikō ROV?

Kaikō was operational between 1995 and 2003. During this period, it conducted extensive deep-sea exploration missions.

Approximately how many dives did Kaikō undertake during its operational life?

During its operational period from 1995 to 2003, the Kaikō ROV completed more than 250 dives into the deep ocean.

What kind of biological samples did Kaikō collect, and what is their potential significance?

Kaikō collected approximately 350 biological species, including 180 different types of bacteria. Some of these unique deep-sea organisms hold potential value for medical and industrial applications.

How was the Kaikō ROV lost?

Kaikō was lost at sea on May 29, 2003, off the coast of Shikoku Island. The loss occurred during Typhoon Chan-Hom when a secondary cable connecting the ROV to its surface launcher broke.

What vehicle served as a temporary replacement for Kaikō?

The Kaikō7000II, another ROV, served as the replacement for the original Kaikō until 2007.

What is the name of the permanent replacement ROV for Kaikō, developed by JAMSTEC?

The permanent replacement ROV for Kaikō is named ABISMO (Automatic Bottom Inspection and Sampling Mobile).

What was the HMS Challenger expedition, and what key discovery did it make regarding oceanography?

The HMS Challenger expedition was a survey conducted by the British Royal Navy ship HMS Challenger from December 1872 to May 1876. This expedition enabled scientists to create the first rough maps of major submarine terrain features, including the identification of the Challenger Deep as the deepest surveyed point in the world's oceans.

How was bathymetric data collected during the HMS Challenger expedition?

During the HMS Challenger expedition, bathymetric data was gathered using a simple technique: lowering long sounding lines from the ship down to the seabed to measure depth.

Where is the Challenger Deep located within the ocean?

The Challenger Deep is situated at the southern end of the Mariana Trench, near the Mariana Islands group in the Pacific Ocean.

When did the HMS Challenger expedition first record the depth of the Challenger Deep, and what was the recorded depth?

The HMS Challenger expedition scientists made the first recordings of the Challenger Deep's depth on March 23, 1875. Based on two soundings, the reported depth was 4,475 fathoms, which equates to approximately 8,184 meters.

Who were the first individuals to reach the bottom of the Challenger Deep, and in what vehicle did they travel?

Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard were the first humans to descend to the bottom of the Challenger Deep. They achieved this historic feat in the bathyscaphe named Trieste.

What was the calculated maximum depth reached by the Trieste during its 1960 descent into the Challenger Deep?

Although initially reported as 37,800 feet, the maximum recorded depth achieved by the Trieste during its 1960 descent into the Challenger Deep was later calculated to be 10,911 meters (approximately 35,797 feet).

What immense pressure is exerted at the bottom of the Challenger Deep?

At the extreme depth of the Challenger Deep, the water column above exerts a pressure of 108.6 megapascals (MPa), which is over a thousand times the standard atmospheric pressure experienced at sea level.

Besides the Trieste, what other manned vehicles have reached the Challenger Deep?

In addition to the Trieste, the Deepsea Challenger, piloted by James Cameron in 2012, and the Limiting Factor, piloted by Victor Vescovo in 2019, are the only other manned vessels documented to have reached the Challenger Deep.

When did the Kaikō ROV make its historic dive to the Challenger Deep, and what was its significance?

In March 1995, Kaikō became the second vessel ever to reach the Challenger Deep and the first craft to visit this location since the Trieste mission. This dive marked the deepest recorded dive for an unmanned submersible up to that time, reaching a depth of 10,911.4 meters.

What types of deep-sea life did Kaikō observe during its 1995 Challenger Deep dive?

During its 1995 dive to the Challenger Deep, Kaikō collected video and photographs of various barophilic benthos, which are organisms adapted to high-pressure environments. This included observations of creatures such as tubeworms and shrimp.

What was the purpose of Kaikō's return to the Challenger Deep in February 1996?

In February 1996, Kaikō returned to the Challenger Deep to collect sediment and microorganisms from the seabed at a depth of 10,989 meters. This mission aimed to identify and study life forms adapted to extreme pressure conditions.

What extremely barophilic bacteria were identified from Kaikō's 1996 samples, and what is significant about their pressure requirements?

From the samples collected in February 1996, the bacteria Moritella yayanosii and Shewanella benthica were identified. These species are notably barophilic, meaning they thrive under high pressure, with optimal growth occurring at 70 MPa for S. benthica and 80 MPa for M. yayanosii, showing no growth below 50 MPa.

What potential medical applications were suggested for the omega-3 fatty acids found in bacteria collected by Kaikō?

The bacteria collected by Kaikō, such as Shewanella benthica and Moritella yayanosii, were found to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. These compounds were suggested to potentially be useful in treating hypertension and even cancer.

What significant discovery did Kaikō make in December 1997 off the coast of Okinawa?

In December 1997, Kaikō successfully located the wreck of the Tsushima Maru on the sea floor off the coast of Okinawa. The Tsushima Maru was a Japanese passenger/cargo ship sunk during World War II by the USS Bowfin.

What type of organism is Hirondellea gigas, and when did Kaikō collect specimens of it?

Hirondellea gigas is a crustacean belonging to the Uristidae family of marine amphipods. Kaikō collected specimens of this organism in May 1998 during a mission to the Challenger Deep.

What robotic operation did Kaikō perform in October 1999 near the Ryukyu Trench?

In October 1999, Kaikō conducted a robotic mechanical operation at a depth of 2,150 meters near the Ryukyu Trench. The purpose of this mission was to connect measuring equipment with underwater cables on the sea floor.

What new bacterial species was discovered during Kaikō's October 1999 mission, and what is unique about it?

During the October 1999 mission, the bacterial species Shewanella violacea was discovered at a depth of 5,110 meters. This bacterium is notable for its distinctive brilliant violet-colored pigment.

What potential industrial and cosmetic applications were identified for compounds found in Shewanella violacea?

Compounds derived from Shewanella violacea were identified as potentially useful in the cosmetics industry for developing skin-lightening products, and in the semiconductor industry for creating chemicals used in semiconductor production.

What wreckage did Kaikō locate in late November 1999, and what was its origin?

In late November 1999, Kaikō located the wreckage of the H-2 rocket, specifically H-2 No. 8, on the seafloor at a depth of 2,900 meters off the Ogasawara Islands. This rocket, launched by NASDA (National Space Development Agency of Japan), was carrying a satellite payload when it self-destructed due to an engine malfunction.

What did Kaikō discover in August 2000 near the Central Indian Ridge?

In August 2000, Kaikō discovered hydrothermal vents and their associated deep-sea communities at a depth of 2,450 meters near the Central Indian Ridge. This ridge is a divergent tectonic plate boundary in the western Indian Ocean.

What was the depth rating of the Kaikō7000II ROV?

The Kaikō7000II ROV, which replaced the original Kaikō, was rated for diving to a maximum depth of 7,000 meters.

Why did JAMSTEC begin developing the ABISMO ROV?

JAMSTEC initiated the development of the ABISMO ROV because its temporary replacement, the Kaikō7000II, had a depth limitation of 7,000 meters and could not reach the deepest oceanic trenches, necessitating a new 11,000-meter class ROV.

When did the development of the ABISMO ROV begin, and what does its name signify?

JAMSTEC engineers began work on the ABISMO ROV in April 2005. The name 'ABISMO' is derived from the Spanish word for 'abyss'.

What depth did the ABISMO ROV reach during its initial sea trials in 2007?

During its initial sea trials in 2007, the ABISMO ROV successfully reached a depth of 9,760 meters, which is the deepest known part of the Izu–Ogasawara Trench.

What kind of samples did ABISMO collect during its initial sea trials?

During its initial sea trials in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench, ABISMO collected core samples of sediment from the seabed.

What is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)?

An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is an uncrewed underwater vehicle that operates independently, guided by its own onboard systems rather than being tethered to a surface vessel for control.

What is the scientific study of underwater depth measurements called?

The study of underwater depth measurements, particularly of the lake or ocean floors, is known as Bathymetry.

What defines a deep-submergence vehicle?

A deep-submergence vehicle is a crewed submersible capable of diving to significant depths, typically equipped for exploration or research in the deep ocean.

What is a diving chamber?

A diving chamber is a specialized hyperbaric pressure vessel designed for human occupancy, used in various diving operations to manage pressure exposure.

What information is contained within the 'Timeline of diving technology'?

The 'Timeline of diving technology' provides a chronological listing of significant events and developments in the history of equipment and techniques used for underwater diving.

What is the RV Kairei, and what role did it play in deep-sea exploration?

The RV Kairei is a deep-sea research vessel that served as the crucial support ship for the Kaikō ROV and its successor, the Kaikō7000II. It continues to support deep-sea operations, currently serving as the support vessel for the ABISMO ROV.

What maximum depth can the RV Kairei support operations for?

The RV Kairei is equipped to support deep-sea operations, including those utilizing ROVs like ABISMO, down to a maximum depth of 11,000 meters.

What types of underwater geological features does the RV Kairei survey?

The RV Kairei surveys a variety of underwater geological features, including oceanic plateaus, abyssal plains, oceanic basins, submarine volcanoes, hydrothermal vents, and oceanic trenches.

Besides supporting ROVs, what other surveys does the RV Kairei conduct?

The RV Kairei also conducts surveys focused on the structure of deep sub-bottoms in geologically complex areas like subduction zones, utilizing its onboard multi-channel reflection survey system.

What was the significance of the Nereus vehicle's dive to the Challenger Deep in 2009?

In May 2009, the Nereus became the third vessel to reach the Challenger Deep, recording a maximum depth of 10,902 meters, further contributing to the exploration of the ocean's deepest points.

What is the primary function of the Kaikō ROV's side-scan sonar and searchlights?

The side-scan sonar and searchlights on the Kaikō ROV are sensors and processing systems used for navigation and observation during its deep-sea exploration dives, helping it to map the seafloor and illuminate its surroundings.

What type of batteries powered the Kaikō ROV?

The Kaikō ROV was powered by electrical systems utilizing Lithium-ion batteries.

What was the displacement of the Kaikō ROV?

The Kaikō ROV had a displacement of 10.6 tons when in air.

What was the length of the Kaikō ROV?

The Kaikō ROV measured 3.0 meters in length.

What was the operational depth capability of the Kaikō ROV?

The Kaikō ROV was capable of reaching a test depth of 11,911.4 meters.

What was the homeport for the Kaikō ROV?

The homeport for the Kaikō ROV was Yokosuka, Japan.

When was the Kaikō ROV officially commissioned?

The Kaikō ROV was commissioned in 1993.

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Kaikō: An Overview

The Vehicle

Kaikō (Japanese for "Ocean Trench") was a state-of-the-art remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) developed by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Commissioned in 1993, its primary mission was the exploration of the deep sea, including the most extreme environments on Earth.

Unprecedented Depths

Between 1995 and 2003, Kaikō achieved remarkable feats, conducting over 250 dives. Notably, it became the second vessel ever to reach the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the world's oceans, measuring 10,911.4 meters. This accomplishment marked the deepest dive ever made by an unmanned submersible.

Scientific Contributions

During its operational life, Kaikō collected approximately 350 biological specimens, including around 180 distinct bacterial species. These samples from the hadal zone provided invaluable insights into extremophile life and held potential for future applications in medicine and industry.

The Challenger Deep

Earth's Deepest Point

Located in the southern end of the Mariana Trench, the Challenger Deep represents the ultimate frontier of ocean exploration. Its immense depth subjects any equipment to extreme pressures—over 1,000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level—and near-freezing temperatures.

Historical Context

The Challenger Deep was first sounded by the HMS Challenger expedition in 1875. The first manned descent was by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh in the bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960. Later, James Cameron in the Deepsea Challenger (2012) and Victor Vescovo in the Limiting Factor (2019) also reached these extreme depths.

Kaikō's Achievement

Kaikō's 1995 dive marked the first visit to the Challenger Deep since the Trieste mission. Its unmanned nature allowed for extended exploration and sample collection, providing crucial data and biological specimens from this challenging environment. Its subsequent dives further solidified its role in deep-sea research.

Support and Operations

The RV Kairei

The deep-sea research vessel RV Kairei served as the crucial support platform for Kaikō and its successor ROVs. Operating from Yokosuka, Japan, the Kairei facilitated the deployment, recovery, and operational control of the ROVs during their demanding deep-sea missions.

Control and Data

Operations aboard the RV Kairei involved sophisticated control rooms where mission specialists monitored the ROV's status, navigated the complex underwater terrain, and managed the collection of scientific data and samples. This required precise coordination between the ship and the submersible.

Operational Timeline and Fate

Key Milestones

Kaikō's journey spanned a decade of significant deep-sea exploration:

1993: Laid down, launched, and commissioned.
March 1995: First dive to the Challenger Deep, reaching 10,911.4 meters.
February 1996: Returned to Challenger Deep, collected sediment and microorganisms.
December 1997: Located the wreck of the Tsushima Maru.
May 1998: Collected specimens of Hirondellea gigas.
October 1999: Performed robotic operations near the Ryukyu Trench, discovered Shewanella violacea.
Late 1999: Located wreckage of an H-2 rocket.
August 2000: Discovered hydrothermal vents near the Central Indian Ridge.

Loss at Sea

Tragically, on May 29, 2003, during Typhoon Chan-Hom, Kaikō was lost. While operating off the coast of Shikoku Island, a secondary steel cable connecting the ROV to its surface launcher snapped, causing the vehicle to be lost at sea. This marked the end of its distinguished service.

Notable Discoveries

Barophilic Bacteria

During its dives, Kaikō collected novel bacterial species adapted to extreme pressure, such as Moritella yayanosii and Shewanella benthica. These organisms, thriving at pressures up to 80 MPa, contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which have potential therapeutic applications.

Deep-Sea Crustaceans

In 1998, Kaikō collected specimens of Hirondellea gigas, a type of amphipod crustacean found in the Challenger Deep. Studying these organisms provides critical data on life's adaptability in the most extreme marine environments.

Historical Wreckage

Beyond biological samples, Kaikō also contributed to maritime history by locating the wreck of the Tsushima Maru, a Japanese passenger ship sunk during World War II, on the seabed off Okinawa.

Legacy and Successors

Interim Replacement

Following the loss of Kaikō, JAMSTEC utilized a converted ROV, rechristened Kaikō7000II, as an interim replacement. While capable, its 7,000-meter depth rating limited its ability to reach the deepest trenches.

The ABISMO Project

To continue exploration at the full ocean depth, JAMSTEC initiated the development of a new 11,000-meter class ROV named ABISMO (Automatic Bottom Inspection and Sampling Mobile). Sea trials began in 2007, aiming to succeed Kaikō in exploring the planet's deepest abysses.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kaikō ROV Wikipedia page

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This content was generated by an AI based on publicly available data and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the information may not be entirely complete, up-to-date, or free from errors.

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Kaikō: Chronicle of the Deepest Frontier

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Kaikō: An Overview ℹ️

🤖 The Vehicle

🏆 Unprecedented Depths

🔬 Scientific Contributions

The Challenger Deep 🌏

📍 Earth's Deepest Point

📜 Historical Context

🚀 Kaikō's Achievement

Support and Operations 🚢

⚓ The RV Kairei

🖥️ Control and Data

Operational Timeline and Fate ⏳

🗓️ Key Milestones

💔 Loss at Sea

Notable Discoveries 💡

🦠 Barophilic Bacteria

🦀 Deep-Sea Crustaceans

🚢 Historical Wreckage

Legacy and Successors ➡️

🔄 Interim Replacement

🌟 The ABISMO Project

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Kaikō: An Overview

The Vehicle

Unprecedented Depths

Scientific Contributions

The Challenger Deep

Earth's Deepest Point

Historical Context

Kaikō's Achievement

Support and Operations

The RV Kairei

Control and Data

Operational Timeline and Fate

Key Milestones

Loss at Sea

Notable Discoveries

Barophilic Bacteria

Deep-Sea Crustaceans

Historical Wreckage

Legacy and Successors

Interim Replacement

The ABISMO Project

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice