The G.O. Sars loaded with equipment as it leaves Bergen.
ROV 'Bathysaurus'
Closeup of the instruments mounted on the ROV 'Aglantha.'
Todays Highlights
Date:June 6, 2004
Author: John Horne (University of Washington) and Filipe Porteiro (University of the Azores)
We are finally underway. After rounds of introductions among participants, the occasional trading of past adventure stories, the final loading of equipment, and extensive safety demonstrations, the ship was fuelled and we headed on a westerly course toward the Mid Atlantic Ridge.
Prior to departure there has been a steady stream of people, supplies, and scientific equipment secured on the vessel over the last two days.
Departure from Bergen was delayed for a few hours as we waited for the arrival of the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Bathysaurus. This ROV is equipped with video and still cameras, sensors to measure depth, temperature, and salinity, and is capable of operating to depths of 5000 m. A broken part will prevent its use until the second leg of the cruise but this will not impact operations during the first cruise leg. A second ROV, Aglantha, is functional and can dive to a maximum depth of 2000 m.
Exciting discoveries are anticipated among the scientists on board who are eager to get sampling underway. Seminars are being presented and meetings are being held to inform all participants of techniques that will be used and animals that should be seen during the cruise.
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6. June
