Butterflies at Sea

Yesterday, we had another gorgeous day sailing in the Gulf of California. Dave Walter (pilot), Anna-Louise and Fengping headed down 2000 meters in Alvin and explored the southern and central areas of Guaymas Basin. The main goal of the dive was to collect vent deposits, scout the bottom for thick microbial mats, and sample some larger biological specimens- clams and tubeworms. The dive was both successful and historic, with Fengping becoming the first Chinese woman to dive below 750 meters. We are all very happy for her!

Visit this page for her personal account of the dive.

Lauri’s Guaymas Impressions:

11 November: Alvin’s second dive, which included history maker Fengping Wang, went off without a hitch. After watching the launch, we spent the rest of the morning and afternoon analyzing yesterday’s samples and photos, attending regular briefings and doing laundry. The weather is still fantastic and the seas calm. Richard, the mess attendant, gave me a tour of where they keep all the food… enough to feed 50+ people forup to six months.

I’ve seen so much amazing wildlife on this cruise. Last night groups of foot long squid were feeding next to the ship, sending flying fish skipping across the water. Bioluminescent creatures and microorganisms flash and dart in the swell, making the whitewater glow. The day before, a small hammerhead shark quickly toured the ship’s starboard side. And this evening a mass of beautiful yellow butterflies descended on the ship’s lights. Bring on the mermaids !