Meet the ocean observation scientists

The Alaska Ocean Observing System is inviting the public to meet the scientists involved in its Prince William Sound “Sound Predictions 2009” program, and to tour its research vessels, in Valdez on July 28. The meeting and tour will take place in the Valdez Convention Center and Valdez harbor between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Among other activities, there will be a demonstration of new technology for balloon surveillance at night of potential oil spills. And local kids will demonstrate how their handmade remotely operated vehicles can clean up spilled oil.

AOOS says that the Sound Predictions 2009 program involves the deployment of buoys and autonomous vehicles in Prince William Sound to collect data about wind, waves and ocean circulation, to evaluate the effectiveness of regional forecast models.

“Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, we’re testing how well we know information about Prince William Sound for use in oil spill response, search-and-rescue operations, marine safety for oil tankers and recreational boaters, and fisheries and ecosystem health,” AOOS said.

For further information contact Darcy Dugan, AOOS program manager, at [email protected] or 907-644-6718.

—Alan Bailey