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We left the sea ice at mid-day today, with the sun peaking through an overcast sky for what seems like the first time of the voyage. We were able to complete all 8 CTD stations in the sea ice zone, due to light winds, experienced ice pilots at the helm, and some good luck. The light winds meant we could find or make a small patch of open water and it would remain open long enough for us to complete the stations. The high resolution transect we have completed across the Antarctic continental shelf and slope is one of the few obtained at this time of year. We are now en route to an iceberg where we will carry out CTD and trace metal sampling. Icebergs have been hypothesised to release iron as they melt, causing phytoplankton blooms, but very few measurements of iron have been made near melting icebergs. Our observations will help test this idea. Steve and Deepy.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.