Beginning in 2011, Alvin, the nation's only deep-sea research submersible, underwent an extensive upgrade to expand the sub's capabilities. From March 13 to 26 2014, scientists will test the new sub for the first time on a Science Verification Cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. In April 2014, scientist Samantha Joye will lead a research team to the Deepwater Horizon site and use Alvin to assess the health of the area. (Photo by Rod Catanach, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
{}