Maritime hydrothermal vent plumes, giant tube worms, volcanic cliffs are just some underwater phenomenon seen during the deep-diving explorations of the submersible Jiaolong. The mysterious deep sea is unveiled with modern multimedia using acoustic imaging and photoelectric technologies. The recently opened Deep Sea Exploration Pavilion of Tongji University serves as an important base for popularizing marine science knowledge and for showing the latest scientific and technological progress in deep sea exploration to the public--especially to primary and high school students. Hearing that the pavilion is directed by Prof. WANG Pinxian, a renowned scientist and a member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, we, the staff of this university who have school children in our families, could not miss the opportunity to visit this exhibit. Therefore, we visited the pavilion right after the opening day.

At the entrance of the pavilion are the words, “Deap Sea Exploration Pavilion –Tongji University Educational Base for Popularizing Deep Sea Science,” under which is an inverted triangle plate with its metal surface covered with “raindrops.” Taking a closer look, the visitors will find the “raindrops” are bubbles overflowing from the bottom of the plate. The plate is covered with dense parallels lines, and at its bottom is an exquisite spot light in the shape of a small fish.

It is dark inside the pavilion to simulate the environment of the deep sea. Visitors can see dynamic images and models of submarine creatures around them and fish swimming in a navy blue backdrop over their heads. Presentations with acoustic images, photoelectric technologies and introductory texts depict the deep sea to the public in a lively and interesting way.

The majestic music and raspy commentary soon led us to the inner hall. In front of us was an annular IMAX screen showing the fantastic scenes captured in deep sea explorations. Video clips such asThe Dream of Deep Diving,Visit the Deep SeaandMannedSubmersible Jiaolongare looped. We knew from them that the deep sea exploration vessel is a comprehensive symbol of our great national strength.

The exhibition is divided into four parts: An Overview of the Sea, Explore the Deep Sea, Roam in the Deep Sea and Observe the Seabed. In combination, these four parts give the whole exhibition a distinctive theme, which tells the visitors what the deep sea is, why we should explore it, and about the latest progress and discoveries that have been made in deep sea exploration.

Translated by May Language Studio based upon

http://news.tongji.edu.cn/classid-6-newsid-45616-t-show.html