To the R/V Atlantis

Today is our 1st official work day on the Atlantis. Early in the morning, we caught a water taxi to the ship that was anchored offshore.

Loading our gear was time consuming as usual.

Arriving on the Atlantis was difficult due to the swells.

Once we got on, we first went about unloading all of the equipment. (Mobilization)

It was pretty intense.

Some of the group were assembling titanium encapsulated electronics that would go down on the ALVIN. Stuff has to work at 2,500 meters!

This system can allow scientists to measure many things like iron oxidation, pH, temperature, manganese and sulfate distribution. Just like our underwater robots we build in class, they have o-rings and silicone seals (alot more detailed obviously!)

Just like in our robotics competition this year, Dr. Shaw from the University of South Carolina has to devise a system that picks up materials from the bottom. He designed this system and it is one-of-a-kind.

Dr. Luther is working with his electrochemistry sensors that will be going down on ALVIN.

This is one of the HD cameras that will be used on the ALVIN.

The Atlantis has been to many places around the world.

It's been a long, long day. In this adventure who knows where this will lead me?

What did I sign up for? See you tomorrow!