Overview
The Office of Marine Operations (OMO) operates Lamont-Doherty’s Research Vessel Marcus G. Langseth, which serves as the national seismic research facility for the United States academic research community. Scientists and researchers from all over the world participate in research programs aboard the Langseth to understand climate variations, our oceans, and submarine volcanoes.
The Langseth's unique seismic capability allows it to provide both 2D and 3D maps of the Earth's structure miles below the seafloor. Utilizing the vessel's other capabilities, expeditions have collected sediment cores for understanding climate variations throughout the Earth’s history, sampled seawater for determining physical and chemical properties of the oceans, and deployed remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for studying submarine volcanoes.
The Langseth is a part of University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), an organization of 59 academic institutions and National Laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships' schedules and research facilities.
Langseth News
Seismic Imaging Aboard the R/V Marcus G. Langseth
An introduction to seismic imaging and how the R/V Marcus G. Langseth uses it to make detailed maps of the seafloor.
Happy Birthday, Marie Tharp!
State of the Planet celebrates the pioneering cartographer’s legacy on what would be her 104th birthday.
Only 270 Million Square Kilometers to Go: The R/V Marcus G. Langseth Helps Map the World’s Oceans
For the first time in almost nine years, the R/V Marcus G. Langseth is back in New York City, stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for some much-needed TLC. State of the Planet got a tour of this impressive seismic vessel, learning how it can help researchers forecast earthquakes and save lives in the process.