An Underwater Microscope

Abstract

Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. In spite of the enormous size and importance of this ecosystem, we still have much to learn about the biologic systems at play in the ocean. These shortcomings include events that occur at microscopic levels. A major limiting factor is the necessity of studying microscopic events in the laboratory where simulated marine environments are only approximations. A microscope that can be used in the ocean by human scientists could go a long way to fill in this void. Such a microscope has been developed recently by Andrew Mullen, Tali Treibitz, Paul Roberts, Emily Kelly, Rael Horwitz, Jennifer Smith, and Jules Jaffe [1]. They have labeled this exciting instrument the Benthic Underwater Microscope (BUM), and it promises to fill the distinct need to make non-invasive observations of important environmental processes under natural conditions. The BUM is an imaging system that provides the first in situ underwater observations of benthic environments at nearly micrometer resolution. This diver-deployed portable microscope can visualize spatial phenomena in marine environments such as coral reefs and kelp forests. In addition, temporal resolution is achieved with extended time-series recordings lasting several hours. This can reveal gradual or periodic activities and processes, allowing for studies of individual coral polyps and the behavior of other animals. These impressive capabilities allow both temporal and spatial analysis of ecologically significant phenomena at scales never before seen in the marine environment.