Marion Dufresne
(Information taken
from the University of Brest web site)
The Marion Dufresne is a large,
versatile and multi-purpose vessel with two main functions: (1)
performing oceanographic research; (2) resupplying the French austral
islands of Crozet, Kerguelen, Amsterdam and Saint-Paul. At the same
time, it is a passenger liner (for the transport of personnel and
visitors to the French austral islands' research stations), a cargo
vessel (for the transport of containers and heavy cargo to the
stations), a fuel tanker, a helicopter carrier (to provide a base for
passengers and light cargo flights), and a multidisplinary scientific
vessel. Its special resupply capabilities make the Marion Dufresne one
of the world's largest scientific vessels, with exceptional
seaworthiness allowing for work in all weather conditions, and the best
research vessel in the world for deep-sea coring.
Research activities
Research expeditions undertaken by the Marion Dufresne cover all
aspects of oceanography: (1) marine geosciences (geology, geophysics,
sedimentology, paleoclimatology); (2) biological oceanography (biology,
biogeochemistry); (3) physical oceanography (physicochemistry, water
mass properties and general circulation).
It is also famous for its capability of taking some of the longest [of
continuous length] cores ever taken, having reached a record of 66m
recovered from the deep-sea floor.
The Marion Dufresne, and other French vessels have been used for
collaborative research programs between Australian and French
scientists and government institutions.
(Clinking on each image will
usually open a larger version of it in a new browser window)
You can also download a copy of the Marion Dufresne brochure in PDF format HERE.
A map of the current expedition can be seen HERE
|