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We continue to make steady progress through the ice, with anticipated open water being thus far a mirage on the horizon. Information indicates that we have approximately 100nm of scattered pack-ice to go.
Several minke whales and an orca were sighted yesterday providing yet another opportunity for photographic buffs on board. On the science front, the first Argo float was deployed yesterday at approximately 1500hrs ship time. Argo floats are part of a global ocean observing system providing valuable information to aid in forecasting climate and ocean conditions.
These floats are automated devices that descend to 2km and then ascend to the surface every 10 days providing a profile of water temperature and salinity. Once on the surface the float transmits the real-time data via satellite to researchers and operational centres around the world. To date, 23 countries are involved in the Argo program, and many more assist with float deployments, contributing to a global network of almost 3000 floats.
We will deploy four Argo floats this voyage between 59 and 63 degrees of latitude on our route back to Hobart. Another clock change was had last night in an attempt to gradually adjust our body-clocks as we move northwards. Ship time is now 4 hours behind AEST.
Regards,
Karin, Sharon & Adam
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.