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We have crossed below the convergence now and as a result the water temperature has dropped well below what we’d like to swim in. The warm Northerly air over colder ocean means the cloud and fog level is down to the water and it is best described as “murky”. We have been towing a continuous plankton recorder for a few hundred miles now. This device is used to map biodiversity of plankton as well as monitor its health. Changes in plankton abundance are expected to have a significant effect on the rest of the ecosystem, so it is important data that is being collected. We have a resident Artist, Wendy Sharpe, on the ship with us and she is ensconced in her “studio” in the meteorology lab up on the bridge deck painting away. We wonder how many artists have to tie down their paints and equipment to avoid them spilling everywhere as their studio rocks and rolls. Probably the same small number that have a window view of the Southern Ocean. Planning is underway for operations in the Commonwealth Bay area with a number of projects and options being put together with the ever present B9B iceberg, sea ice and frequent blizzards in this part of Antarctica all having to be factored in. Can’t wait!
REGARDS: Robb, Steve, Barb and Nisha
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.