Ocean & Earth Day at NOC Southampton 2012

This event took place on Saturday 17 March 2012

Ocean and Earth Day 2012 is the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton’s (NOCS) event for the National Science and Engineering Week, and is run in tandem with NOC Liverpool and the University of Southampton Ocean and Earth Science.

The NOC is the premier UK Centre for research into the world’s oceans from the coast to the deep ocean. Visitors to the Centre will get exciting hands-on experience of some of 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 1% of the ocean floor has been sampled using advanced scientific methods. NOC scientists and engineers work together to monitor and predict sea level, discover new species of marine life, map astonishing underwater features like black smokers – and develop innovative 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 – as well as what NOCS is doing to reduce its own carbon footprint. There’s a chance to visit the research aquarium, operate underwater vehicles, 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.

The next Ocean and Earth Day at will be on 23 March 2013.