Fifty years after the launch of Sputnik initiated a revolution in space exploration, a group of UW oceanographers is poised to revolutionize our observation of the Earth's oceans.

UW professor of oceanography John Delaney has led the charge embodied by NEPTUNE, part of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative.

Recognized by the Provost's Office for his group's efforts, Delaney will deliver the 2007 Fall Provost Distinguished Lecture tonight in Kane Hall. The lecture, At the Leading Edge of an Environmental Renaissance, will introduce audience members to the project via high definition images, audio and video captured at the bottom of the ocean just off the Washington coast.

"NEPTUNE is about thinking in new ways," Delaney said. "It all began with the question 'How can you be present in the ocean without being there?'"

Traditionally, oceanographers have been limited by infrequent voyages to sea in ships, satellites that can only see a few meters into the ocean, and instruments that are powered by batteries.

NEPTUNE transcends these limitations through its network of high power, high bandwidth fiber optic cables at the sea floor. Moorings, autonomous vehicles, seismometers and other instruments will record and transmit data in real time throughout the entire column of water. This will give science and the public it serves an unprecedented, interactive perspective.

"NEPTUNE springs from the spirit that amazing things can be seen in the depths," Delaney said. "The entire world cannot go to the sea floor. Now the sea floor can come to the entire world."

UW professor of oceanography Deborah Kelley involved with the project, was similarly enthused.

"The cabled observatory will give us a presence we've never had before," Kelley said. "It is a big project by definition, and has the potential to transform oceanography."

Not everyone is as ecstatic. Critics have argued that the $331 million dollar project is too expensive, observes too small a fraction of the global oceans and puts too much of an emphasis on the sea floor. Delaney welcomes the critiques.

"It makes the project better," Delaney said. "If criticism helps illuminate a weakness in the program, we aim to ameliorate it. If this is as important as I think it is, there ought to be some nuanced discussion."

William Wilcock, another UW professor of oceanography, explained how the NEPTUNE initiative is complementary to forms of observation already in use.

"Our work reflects the trend that we need to make long term oceanographic observations with a variety of tools," Wilcock said. "NEPTUNE is one of those tools."

Both Kelley and Wilcock praised Delaney's ability to imagine and communicate.

"John is an engaging, passionate speaker," Wilcock said. "He has a rare ability to see long term and to envision broadly."

Delaney expressed excitement at the project's potential to empower the community to answer key questions and inspire interest from the public.

"Let us utilize whatever it is about the oceans that fascinates people to bring them to the door," Delaney said. "The curiosity level is tremendous."

[Reach reporter Brian Smoliak at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]