The research vessel Falkor is offering free tours Aug. 19.

The research vessel Falkor will offer free tours Aug. 19 at the Port of Astoria’s Pier 1.

The Falkor is operated by Schmidt Ocean Institute, founded by former Google chairman Eric Schmidt and his wife, Wendy.

The ship is on an expedition at Hydrate Ridge, a 700-foot rise created by sediment scraped off the Pacific Plate as it subjects under the North American Plate. Researchers are studying the control of underwater robots using artificial intelligence.

The Falkor will leave Astoria Aug. 24 to look at methane gas seeps near Hydrate Ridge.

Tours of up to 30 people will start at 2 and 3 p.m. Aug. 19 and require a reservation. Contact Carlie Wiener, a spokeswoman for Schmidt Ocean Institute, at cwiener@schmidtocean.org or 808-628-8666 to make reservations.