The deep-sea, manned submersible Alvin is being retired after 40 years of service, U.S. scientists said Friday. The sub has taken 12,000 scientists and other passengers on more than 4,000 deep dives to observe life forms that must cope with extremes of pressure and cold in the ocean's depths and move about in total darkness. Alvin also has been cited in nearly 2,000 scientific papers, has helped confirm the theory of plate tectonics and continental drift, and discovered hydrothermal vents. The undersea vehicle is being retired and replaced, however, according to the National Science Foundation, which funds Alvin, because Japan, Russia and France now employ more advanced vehicles. Alvin first went into service in 1964. It is capable of diving to nearly 3 miles under the sea. © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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