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1. The foremast holds several weather sensors

2. Weather analysis map with our position 2 days ago

3. Our position at 10:00 GMT 18/11/2008

From: Craig Wallace
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:48
Subject: Return to the Eastern Boundary

D334 - 18/11/2008

Our transit back to the Eastern Boundary is now complete and mooring operations are underway again, servicing the final line on this cruise. These moorings are the 'shallow moorings' designed to monitor how ocean characteristics change on the continental slope leading up to the coast of West Africa. Compare with the 'tall moorings' mentioned earlier on in the blog which monitor flow in the deep ocean, which is largely free of friction with land.

The passage back from the Mid Atlantic Ridge has gone quickly. The onboard sensors log continuously, which gives us plenty of data to process whilst we await the next phase of mooring recovery. These data include constant meteorological readings. The readings are fed back to national forecasting agencies for input into the numerical computer models of the Earth's climate system. The models produce the weather forecasts you see on websites and TV, and hear on the radio.

The data are also added to longer data sets that contribute to the baseline record of global air and sea-surface temperature. The measurements allows us to estimate by how much the Earth's temperature changes each year.

It's not all work. There has also been time to socialise and recharge the batteries. The highlight here has been a very entertaining pub quiz organised by John, and others, from Discovery's crew. Perhaps somewhat suspiciously, the Captain's team, bolstered by Damien and technician Rob McLachlan, won a crushing victory over the other contenders!

The final week will see almost back-to-back mooring operations and all hands busy. These operations will be reasonably close to shore now, so if the hazy conditions improve, we will see the imposing peak of Tenerife's Mount Tiede watching us from over the horizon. A sign that our return to land is now not too far off.

Craig