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1. All hands on deck with the CTD.

2. Deploying an Argo float.

3. Black browed albatross

4. Flying in formation. Two Cape petrels.

5. Closer view of one of the Cape petrels

From: Matthew Thomas
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:52
Subject: Mostly calm

The first few days aboard the James Clark Ross (JCR) have been quite hard work, working many hours to get all important equipment ready for use. After setting sail the science started almost immediately, taking measurements all the way down to the ocean bottom.

Some of us suffered a little sea-sickness at first, but bravely battled through it to ensure that all science went to plan. Luckily, everyone now seems to have found their 'sea legs' and hardly notice the rolling of the waves.

Our days are mostly spent preparing and deploying the equipment we use to make measurements and take water samples. The equipment is placed into the water and allowed to sink to the deep ocean, making measurements along the way. Water samples are collected from various depths and tested in the labs. Tests are made for very small organisms and for the amount of salt in the water.

Life aboard the JCR is comfortable. We each have our own cabin and bathroom, and we are never short of food. Every day there are large servings of breakfast and lunch, and an excellent dinner, which must be attended in smart dress code along with the ships captain and officers. Many thanks to the chef.

Many birds have accompanied us for most of the journey so far. Perhaps it is our food that attracts them!

Despite a few tired eyes, all science appears to be going well. Fortunately we have experienced a mostly calm sea and the occasional blue sky (and very blue sea), a blessing for us scientists that need to work. There has however been the occasional rough sea, and I personally have had the pleasure of taking a wave over the head! But one must expect this in the Southern Ocean.

Yesterday, a band of fog indicated that we were passing into a colder climate. Perhaps the next time I write I will have news of some ice on the horizon.

Matthew