Sims has researched the petrology of mid-ocean ridges extensively. Sims worked on several research expeditions to 9-10°N East Pacific Rise aboard the WHOI operated Research Vessel (RV) Atlantis utilizing the U.S. Navy-owned Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) Alvin and other remotely operated (DSL-120 and Jason) and autonomous (ABE) vehicles to conduct his research. Sims has also sent his graduate students on research expeditions to the Kolbeinsey Ridge, the SW Indian Ridge, 45°N Mid Atlantic Ridge, and 9°03 East Pacific Rise.
