Noted University of Washington oceanographer John Delaney will speak on his team's efforts to create a cable network of deep-ocean sensors when he visits the Harbor later this month.

Delaney will share his studies of the physical, chemical and biological mid-ocean interactions and his bold plan to gather unprecedented amounts of oceanic data when he speaks Thursday evening, January 24, at Grays Harbor College's Bishop Center. His program will begin at 7 p.m.and is open to the public at no charge.

He heads a UW team that has begun implanting robotic sensor arrays along the Juan de Fuca Ridge and other ocean sites, as well as on the ocean floor and throughout the water column. All sites will be linked to the Internet via submarine electro-optical cables, forming a system to document and measure erupting volcanoes, undersea earthquakes, storms and other aspects of ocean behavior.   

"We are pleased that Dr. John Delaney is coming to the Harbor to share his cutting-edge research project," comments GHC President Ed Brewster. "Findings from his team's oceanic cable network could have very positive implications for the Harbor and our life here."

Delaney's efforts to gather unprecedented amounts of oceanic data are part of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative. In addition to his research project, he heads the Oceanography Department within the UW's School of Environment.

While visiting the Harbor, Delaney will also meet with students at Stevens Elementary School and Miller Junior High, participating in Aberdeen's STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum. In addition, he will meet with GHC math and science faculty and give a special daytime presentation for students on the GHC campus.