Returning to the Wreck of RMS Titanic and Exploring Western North Atlantic Deep-Sea Science
with Steve W. Ross, PhD, Adjunct Research Professor, Partly Retired, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Center for Marine Science.
About the Lecture
Exploration of the deep ocean has gained momentum in the last 25 years. Development of a new 5-person submersible (the Titan) capable of diving to 4000 m (13,123 ft) allowed recent explorations of the RMS Titanic shipwreck and the nearby seafloor. OceanGate, Inc., who owned the submersible, pioneered a new model to deliver scientists and other persons to the deep sea. As most know, however, this endeavor ended in tragedy. The deep sea (deeper than 200 m) is the least known environment on Earth. The Titanic, which lies at about 3800 m depth, is an iconic wreck to explore and has been the subject of several expeditions since its location was discovered in 1985. However, like most of the deep sea, its ecology is poorly known. This presentation will explore development of the submersible, the 2021-2023 Titanic expeditions, and an introduction to other deep-sea ecosystems, including deep-sea corals, methane seeps and submarine canyons.
Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.
Tickets
$8 suggested donation | Advance tickets recommended
Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on Zoom. You must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About the Speaker
Dr. Steve W. Ross is a native of North Carolina (now living in Oregon) and has spent most of his career involved in marine science of the US and Canadian east coast and Gulf of Mexico regions. He earned a BS degree in zoology from Duke University, a Master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a PhD from NC State University. He was the Research Coordinator for the NC Coastal Reserve Program for 13 years. He has conducted numerous, diverse projects in estuaries and offshore waters and has served as Chief Scientist on many cruises, including those using submersibles and ROVs. He has led offshore studies for the US Geological Survey. The recent project on mid-Atlantic submarine canyons led by Dr. Ross won two major federal government awards. His areas of specialization are ichthyology (fishes) and deep-sea coral ecology. The current work of Dr. Ross involves assessment of the communities of unique deep-water habitats off the southeastern US, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Middle Atlantic Bight, and off Atlantic Canada. The research team is focusing on energy flow (trophodynamics) and relationships of animals to various habitats, including coral banks, canyon systems, rocky areas, shipwrecks and methane seeps. Dr. Ross is involved with European scientists in conducting deep-sea, trans-Atlantic ecosystem studies. One goal of this research is to provide information for these poorly known areas that will facilitate management and protection of productive and vulnerable habitats.
Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the ticketing page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Tickets for this event have sold out. While we can usually offer additional sales at the door, as we have reached capacity, additional sales can only be made if ticket holders do not attend. We cannot guarantee entry if you arrive without a ticket the night of the lecture.
Yes, Epicurean Group will be providing a taco bar and canned alcoholic beverages. In addition to the cart, our Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches, movie snacks and N/A drinks. No outside food or drink is allowed.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs
OMSI has switched to a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. OMSI parking will cost $5 + fees for 2 hours or $8 + fees for all day parking. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events, such as Science Pub.