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We have finally turned to a more southerly course and have begun tracing out the eastern edge of BANZARE Bank. The water temperature has come back down dramatically since yesterday, falling a full degree in less than an hour as we re-crossed the front. It peaked at around +3.7 degrees and is back down to +1.5 degrees this morning; a powerful demonstration of the dynamics in this area. As if to emphasise the point, two king penguins were seen swimming around the ship while we were in the hot spot. They probably come from Heard Island about 470nm to the north-west and perhaps the currents here make it an attractive feeding ground which is worth the swim.
Yesterday, we deployed the Provor oceanographic float which is significantly larger than the standard Argo float and hails from France. (Hence Stewart refers to it as “Le Beast”.) This particular float is fitted out with additional biological sensors including a fluorometer, PAR (photo-synthetically active radiation) and a transmissometer and will hopefully spend several years reporting back via satellite.
Stewart activated the various systems on board with a wave of the magnet and the crew successfully manoeuvred the float into the water via the gantry in about 5 metres of swell. Le Beast cut a lonely figure as it floated away from the ship, rising up and down in the waves while trying to get a first satellite fix before descending into the ocean depths on the first of many missions.
The ship is certainly rolling a lot more this morning but it isn’t stopping us. Preparations for the Mawson resupply will be picking up pace from now on.
Lloyd and Brett
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.