What's Happening Today - Nov. 6

Today was a busy day as R/V Atlantis continued south at 12.5 kts through calm seas. This morning Capt. Silva held a briefing for the scientists to let them know about the do's and don'ts aboard ship. In the afternoon we had a fire and boat drill and safety training so we know what to do in case of an emergency. In between all this, newcomers were getting their sea legs and helping out, and the old salts were busy preparing equipment and going over science planning.

We should reach the survey area tomorrow before dinner. When we get there we will deploy transponders at the northern and southern ends of the area we want to map- these will help us navigate the sonar fish and the ABE vehicle. We hope to start the sonar surveying early on Thursday morning, Nov. 8th.

For those of you interested in learning more about the vehicle systems or the different techniques and equipment you should look at the Dive and Discover web site which can be found at this URL: <http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu>.

Big news this morning is that Patrick, the Bosun, lost a fishing lure to what was probably a big tuna... score so far, fish-1, Patrick-0.

Best Regards,

Dan Fornari

Michelle Cooper trying out the "Gumby" survival suit in the Main Lab. Sallye Davis, the 3rd Mate is helping her, Gary Austin is in the background.

Maurice Tivey (left) and Hans Schouten working at their computers in the Main Lab.

The ABE autonomous underwater vehicle.

Andy Billings working on ABE.

We have some great students on board. Standing from left to right are: Brent Garry, Michelle Cooper, Kate Buckman, and Brooke Stembridge. Tomoko Kurokawa (left) and Jenny Morgan are kneeling.