R/V Melville
We are still
en route to our research destination. We are currently situated
at 14 degrees North, 108 degrees West. This morning we began recording
data using the magnetometer and SeaBeam (see photo), so the science
crew began their fun-filled watches. Also this morning, Mark Rudnicki
gave a talk about the MAPR (Miniature Autonomous Plume Recorder)
unit that we will be deploying to detect any hydrothermal vents.
He also discussed the importance of hydrothermal vents in the
context of ocean circulation. The crew continued performing daily
maintenance on the ship (see photo). In the afternoon, Ron Comer,
our resident technician, explained the more technical aspects
of deploying the dredges (see photo). We’re all looking forward
to wallowing in muck from the depths of the ocean.
