The morning began with a great sigh of relief as we obtained our official diplomatic clearance to dive. We wasted no time and started the dive, rolling Alvin out of its hanger just after breakfast. The sky was clear and sunny, seas were calm- all systems finally a “go”!
Bruce Strickrott, our Expedition Leader, piloted Alvin, with Meg Tivey and Paul Craddock aboard as scientific observers. Two observers, in addition to the pilot, are on each dive- the more experienced observer peers out the port-side porthole and the less experienced watches out the starboard porthole.
This was Paul Craddock’s first dive in Alvin!
The primary objective of this dive was to deploy the thermocouple array. This instrument allows us to study the microbial colonization of newly precipitated vent deposits- read more about this instrument and previous deployments at Lau Basin (will link to Lau blog specific post). The thermocouple array was successfully deployed at the “Busted Mushroom” site.
A current meter was also placed at the seafloor to help determine whether tidal currents influence the Guaymas hydrothermal vents. Two vent deposits were collected and brought on board for microbiological analyses and culturing.
Lauri's Guaymas Impressions:
10 November: Hooray, Alvin and crew got to dive today! After about 45 minutes of prep, the sub was hoisted into the water and detached from its lines.
Our afternoon was filled with last minute sampling set up and another science meeting, as well as yet another delicious lunch. The food is really spoiling me.
Alvin surfaced about 4:15p.m. And was greeted by a boat carrying swimmers and a towline. The sub's white body contrasted beautifully with the blue-green water. After hoisting Alvin and crew back on board, sulfide samples were quickly brought to the lab for analysis. And then we ate fresh mahi mahi for dinner.
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