Equipment: Columbia University/ R/V Marcus G. Langseth Oceanographic Instrumentation

Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) requests funds for oceanographic instrumentation that are needed to carry out NSF-supported scientific research on board the R/V Marcus G. Langseth, a seismic and seafloor mapping research vessel that operates as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). The specific suite of instrumentation requested includes a 600-meter seismic source umbilical cable, to serve as a spare since the last spare was damaged beyond repair by ice in 2023; and a CNAVx3 positioning system which provides more accurate vessel positioning information to a range of shipboard systems, including all seismic and mapping operations. These instruments will help ensure the vessel maintains it high-level capabilities to support NSF-funded research. The principal impact of the present proposal is under Merit Review Criterion 2 of the Proposal Guidelines (NSF 23-525). It provides infrastructure support for scientists to use the vessel and its shared-use instrumentation in support of their NSF-funded oceanographic research projects (which individually undergo separate review by the relevant research program of NSF). The acquisition, maintenance, and operation of shared-use instrumentation allows NSF-funded researchers from any US university or other organization access to well-maintained, high-quality, calibrated instruments for their research. It ensures the collection of high-quality oceanographic data in support of science, reduces the cost of that research, and expands the base of potential researchers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.