First Descent: Lauren Dykman Dives in Alvin

“In an instant, the abyss below resolves into a field of contorted basaltic lava flows. Black, shiny lava pillows extend to the reach of our floodlights, much like photos I’ve seen of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. We touch down and raise a cloud of sediment. Surrounding us, going about their daily lives, are the animals I’ve seen in documentaries.”

Read the account of a first dive by MIT-WHOI Joint Program Student Lauren Dykman.