The Red Sea - Conshelf II, the underwater village
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The Red Sea
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Introduction
The Red Sea is one of the youngest oceans in the world and one of the warmest. The northern region, with its diverse array of marine life, is one of the most visited dive locations on earth while the southern end remains virtually unexplored. It's a global hotspot for marine biology and an important trade route throughout human history, linking the trade goods of India and the Far East with the markets of Egypt and Europe.
Conshelf II, the underwater village
Overview
Before astronauts landed on the moon, "oceanauts" in silver wetsuits were exploring the seas. In 1963, the underwater village Conshelf II was built. This was a pioneering research project conceived by the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Five divers lived on Conshelf II for a month to examine the physiological and psychological effects of living underwater.
On their daily visits, doctors observed that cuts and grazes healed quicker and hair grew slower. The experiment proved that man could live underwater. The divers also discovered patterns of underwater sea life behaviour and several new species. Today all that remains of Conshelf II is the garage for the submarine, some shark cages and a tool shed.
| Importance: | Conshelf II was a pioneering project in man's exploration of the oceans. |
| Dive category: | This dive involves diving in confined spaces and wreck dive training is essential. |
| Access: | Dive operators will organise trips to Conshelf II. If you intend on travelling through Sudan it is worth following the advice given by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. |
Interesting for
- Cousteau's cutting edge
- Beyond the Blue magazine gives a history of Cousteau's Conshelf research projects.
- Conshelf
- The history of underwater habitats
- Wikipedia looks at the history of manmade underwater habitats including the Conshelf research projects.
- Underwater habitat
- Jacques Cousteau: A biography
- A biography of the underwater explorer and early marine photographer by WorldFilmHistory.
- Jacques Cousteau
BBC related content
- Oceans ultimate dives: Philippe Cousteau's wreck dive
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans image gallery: The Red Sea
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