Uncertainty in the analysis of speed and powering trials

Full-scale speed trials of a ship have been questioned for the uncertainty of speed and power measurements especially when the sea conditions differ from the ideal calm water conditions. Such uncertainty has been investigated by utilizing ITTC standard speed/powering trial analysis procedure through Monte Carlo simulations. A case study was conducted for a set of sea trials with 12 sister ships for which sea trial data were available for a range of displacement, water depth, water temperature, wind speed and wave height values. Precision errors were observed as the most influential error source for the whole speed range, even though their effects were more substantial at low speeds. Beaufort scale was observed as the most important elementary error source indicating the need for the best weather conditions for the most reliable sea trail predictions.     

Young Students' Conceptions of the Marine Environment and Their Role in the Development of Aquaria Exhibits

Informal learning settings such as aquaria are well-placed to help young students understand the nature and importance of marine environments. In order to achieve this, it is important to incorporate pedagogical principles into exhibit design. Using a constructivist perspective, this paper explores young students' conceptions of the marine environment. The findings indicate that although students are interested in marine life and are familiar with terms such as currents, tides and waves, their understanding of these concepts is limited and confused. It is suggested that by addressing children's limited conceptions in their exhibits and educational programmes, aquaria can foster an understanding of the environmental processes that support marine life, thus contributing to habitat conservation and species survival. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

深渊生物资源取样装备技术体系研究

针对深渊生物资源研究的需求，自主研发了用于全海深深度的深渊沉积物、水体和宏生物的保压取样装置，深渊沉积物保压转移装置，深渊微生物原位过滤及保存装置和高压培养高压酶学测定装置。在深海模拟环境验证了取样装置在万米深度下的工作性能。相关装置在“探索一号”科考船的TS15、TS21-1和TS21-2大洋科考航次中，搭载“奋斗者”号载人潜器、“2号”深渊着陆器、“原位实验”号着陆器于西菲律宾盆区和马里亚纳海沟进行了海上试验，成功获取了万米深度沉积物、水体和宏生物保压样品以及微生物原位过滤滤膜；成功进行了沉积物保压样品的保压转移试验。初步形成了深渊海域生物资源取样的装备技术体系，为深渊海底生物和基因资源开发，深渊生命过程等科学研究提供技术手段。