The search for Amelia Earhart’s plane

National Geographic Explorer Robert Ballard leads a mission on the E.V Nautilus to search for Amelia Earhart's plane near Niko Mararo Island. The ship is equipped with advanced exploration tools, including an autonomous surface vehicle developed by the University of New Hampshire. This vehicle, known as Bathymetric Explorer and Navigator (Ben), uses the Kongsberg EM2040P Multi Beam echo sounder and POSMV Navigation system to create detailed 3D maps of the ocean floor. Once data is collected, researchers deploy remotely operated vehicles, Hercules and Argus, to explore the seabed and collect samples for analysis.

What is the primary goal of the mission led by Robert Ballard on the E.V Nautilus?

• To find the remains of Amelia Earhart's plane

• To explore the depths of the Mariana Trench

• To map the entire Pacific Ocean

• To study marine biodiversity

Which university developed the autonomous surface vehicle used in the mission?

• Stanford University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Harvard University

• University of New Hampshire

What is the function of the Kongsberg EM2040P Multi Beam echo sounder?

• To capture images of marine life

• To track the movement of ships

• To create 3D topographic maps of the ocean floor

• To measure water temperature

What is the role of the remotely operated vehicle Hercules?

• To capture footage of marine life

• To measure ocean currents

• To transport researchers to the ocean floor

• To provide a first-person view of the seabed

How deep can the remotely operated vehicles Hercules and Argus reach?

• 3000 meters

• 2000 meters

• 4000 meters

• 1000 meters