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The moderate seas did not last long as the wind picked up
shortly after yesterday's SITREP hit the airwaves. 30-35 knt winds
accompanied a nice 3-4m swell, which made for some interesting
operations overnight as well as a slightly uncomfortable night's sleep.
Despite the deteriorating weather, the trials program continued at a
furious pace, with a lot of activity taking place on the trawl deck,
instrument room and around the CTD infrastructure. The good thing about
trials is that it allows time for the gear to be tested thoroughly
before it is used in earnest on this season's Marine Science voyage. As
a result of the work being undertaken on this voyage a number of small
technical issues have already been spotted and rectified quite easily by
the on-board Science Technical Support (STS) team. This should go a long
way to guaranteeing a smooth and safe operation in January for the SR3
Transect and the work that is programmed to take place off the Mertz
glacier.
Despite the ordinary conditions a CTD cast was completed to a depth of
approx 1350 m last night. A great effort all-round with all the crew
getting some time on the CTD winches as well as the STS team getting a
great opportunity to test communications with the Rosette and its' array
of instruments. The bridge team was able to keep the ship steady into
the prevailing wind and sea allowing for a safe deployment and recovery.
The hydro acoustic team got a chance to deploy their hydrophone late
last night, but the conditions were below par and they are eager to try
again tonight when the weather is expected to be a little kinder.
Today the sun is shining and the wind has eased to more pleasant 17
knts, with a corresponding smaller swell. The action kicked off with
equipment preps this morning at around 0600 and the pace has not let up
with a series of winch trials being undertaken. The afternoon promises a
series of CTD casts some Rectangular Mid-water Trawls, followed well
into the night by some more casts and more acoustics.
PS: Warm chocolate mud cake was sensational last night, especially with
cream and ice cream.....
Regards
Rob and Jono
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.