A geophysics student from Kings Langley recently had the rare opportunity to take part in a research mission in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Aryan Shah was put forward for the task by one of his university lecturers. On board the Office of Marine Operations’ vessel the Marcus G Langseth, Aryan worked with his team to map the seabed and collect crucial data about the Earth’s temperature.
By figuring out the thickness of the oceanic crust, scientists can investigate the periodic changes in mantle temperature some millions of years ago.
They can then assess how temperature increases in the mantle could have created more volcanic activity, leading to increased greenhouse gases and accelerated climate change.
While some of us might wince at the idea of 3am wake-up calls and freezing weather, Aryan described the mission from August 4 to September 13 as “beautiful”.
Aryan said: “There were lots of moments where I felt mindful and at peace standing on the top deck watching the northern lights.”
For the fourth-year student, his love for the ocean influences more than his university work.
Aryan has also started his own business, InX Tech, which is pioneering the development of a hydrogen-powered submersible to map the seabed in a less time-consuming and polluting way.
Sharing the importance of his mission, Aryan said: “Understanding the seabed is one of the most important things we can do. If you want internet, exports, safe waters, and renewable energy in homes and around the world, then understanding the seabed is a primary chance for understanding that.”
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