Final answer:
Most future deep-ocean research planned by oceanographers actually involves using autonomous and remotely operated technology instead of manned vehicles, contrary to the false statement proposed in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that most future deep-ocean research planned by oceanographers involves sending human pilots and observers to the greatest ocean depths in vehicles like Alvin, Trieste, and Shinkai-6500 is false. As technology advances, a significant amount of deep-sea exploration is being conducted by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), which are less risky and more cost-effective than manned missions. These technologies allow for long-term monitoring and studying of deep-sea environments without the need for direct human presence, reducing the human impact on delicate marine ecosystems.
For instance, marine ecologists study deep-sea corals using non-invasive methods such as multibeam echo sounders, avoiding the need to destroy their habitat. This shift towards remote and autonomous technology reflects a broader trend in oceanography to prioritize data collection and ecosystem preservation over the inherent risks of manned deep-sea missions.