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Ocean Zone

Photo: Ocean Zone

Technology challenging the deep sea

The ocean has enormous potential for energy and resource development. Ocean development is a key issue for an island country like Japan.
This zone has four laboratories in a space designed in the image of the Minatomirai Oceanic Research Center, and introduces the latest surveys, research, and technology, including the Shinkai 6500, the Chikyu riser drilling vessel, and the Urashima deep sea cruising probe.

Shinkai 6500 - manned submersible research vessel

Photo: Shinkai 6500 - manned submersible research vessel
Shinkai 6500 - manned submersible research vessel
The Shinkai 6500 is one of the world's most advanced deep sea submersible research vessels. It can dive to a depth of 6,500 meters, which means that almost 98% of the world's ocean floors can now be studied. On display is a highly-precise cross-sectional model.
An exhibit that allows you to simulate control of the Shinkai 6500 is also available.

Urashima - deep sea cruising probe

Photo: Urashima - deep sea cruising probe
Urashima - deep sea cruising probe
On display is a model of Urashima - a marine robot constructed to help decipher the transfer process of carbon dioxide, believed to be a cause of global warming, and to help understand changes to our climate on a global scale. You will also be introduced to the latest in observational technology.

Chikyu - riser drilling vessel

Photo: Chikyu - riser drilling vessel
Chikyu - riser drilling vessel
Using the latest in deep sea drilling technology, we have reached a stage where we can now actually extract mantle from within the earth. This section introduces you to Chikyu - the project being led by Japan to probe the earth's deep interior.
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