Saturday 19 March 2011
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (through Dock Gate 4)
10:30am – 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm)
Ocean and Earth Day 2011 comes at the start of Climate Week, the UK’s first week dedicated to understanding and tackling climate change. Visitors to the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS) will learn about the influence of the oceans on the Earth’s climate and the work we do to understand this fascinating environment.
The oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface and represent 97% of all living space on our planet (the biosphere) – yet only one per cent of the ocean floor has been sampled using advanced scientific methods. NOCS scientists and engineers work together monitoring and predicting sea level, discovering new species of marine life, mapping astonishing underwater features like black smokers – and developing machines and sensors to understand this mysterious world.
Visitors to Ocean and Earth Day can learn more about the impact of mankind on the oceans’ delicate ecosystems – and what NOCS is doing to reduce its carbon footprint. There’s a chance to visit the aquarium, operate an underwater vehicle, take a close look at fossils and sealife, listen to short informative talks and enjoy exciting hands-on activities. You’ll even get the chance to visit a working Research Vessel – RV Callista. There is limited parking on site and visitors who walk, cycle or use public transport will be entered into a free prize draw.
Admission is free and there is no need to pre-book. Access is through Dock Gate 4 off Platform Road.