The ship has now recovered SHRIMP and is conducting a swath bathymetry survey,  mapping the seabed.

Whilst all of the exciting science work is being carried out,  routine work and maintenance still needs to be carried out around the ship.

This week sees the 3rd Officer,  Alex,  checking that all the fire hydrants and hoses are working correctly.  With the assistance of the doctor,  Nerys,  they seemed to be getting everything wet.

Weather wise the sea is a little bit more lumpy and as we are now on steaming whilst mapping,  the ship has been rolling a little,  especially at lunch time.

Just Add Water

Alex and Nerys busy testing hoses and hydrants.  Pic Mike Gloistein

The science cruise continues with some good results being obtained.

On Tuesday 27th January ‘SHRIMP’ was deployed for the first time.  SHRIMP is a camera system that is towed very slowly just above the seabed and is being used to try and locate ‘Black Smokers’,  active volcanic vents.

The picture below was taken at a depth of some 2,700m

Pillow Lava

Picture National Oceanographic Centre/Natural Environment Research Council

Friday 23rd January 2009 sees the JCR enjoying some rough seas.

Some rough seas

The RRS James Clark Ross is currently on cruise JR224 and will be working in the vicinity of the South Sandwich Islands.