Dispatches from Sea >>

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March 2007							Laura Preston, educator, UNH/Salem High School, Salem, NH.
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April 2007
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March 30

This morning we launched the “Tow Cam” which is an instrument that moves across the seafloor, hovering about 5 m from the bottom. Its main purpose is to take photos, and has both a down-viewing and forward-viewing altimeter for navigation purposes. It is equipped with a device called a CTD, which measures conductivity, temperature, and depth, and can also measure the particles in the water, which helps us to locate those elusive hydrothermal vents!

And, just who are those “rock people” learning how to prepare rocks for analysis??? These students are under the careful guidance of Dr. Ian Ridley learning the fine art of cutting and grinding rocks. As a former geologist, I can’t wait to learn this skill. I hear that I might even earn a certificate…..

The Tow Cam is prepared for launch.	The Tow Cam “team” on watch.
The Tow Cam returns.	Almost there….
Hurry…let’s take a look at the pictures!	“Pillows” of seafloor lava.
We need to wear our goggles.	Ian knows the trick.
Success!	Captain Gary checks the weather.

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