View side scan sonar images
for sites 8, 12, and 14-20.
Chow time |
Ship operations
NR1 has been submerged for over 24 hours and continues
to investigate the planned survey sites. Unfortunately, the awkward underwater
communication system does not lend itself to much communication. As a result
the interesting details of today's underwater operations remain a bit of
a mystery to us onboard the Carolyn Chouest.
Ship operations, on the other hand, continue to play out
in mundane but elaborate detail, the normal routine being briefly interrupted
today by the nail-biting recovery of our long baseline acoustic array. The
system consists of four sonar transponders which, in conjunction with similar
devices on the sub and the ship, provide a very accurate reading of NR1's
position.
The transponders were deployed two days ago in preparation
for the sub's arrival at GC 234 and are scheduled to be redeployed on Sunday
at Bush Hill. It may seem like irresponsible optimism to talk about redeploying
something that you have tied to a 200 pound sandbag and thrown overboard
in 1,800 feet of water, but these particular transponders are designed to
perform a pretty neat trick: They come back when you call them! Each instrument
has a specific sonar release code which, when sent from the ship, initiates
an operation that burns through a wire separating it from its sandbag and
allowing it to float to the surface. It's a clever system, and at over ten
thousand dollars each, you can bet that there were some anxious moments
waiting to see if it worked. Fortunately, all four transponders returned
safely to the surface and have been refitted for another temporary stay
on the bottom.
Although not quite of the same caliber, more excitement
came this evening in the form of our second abandon-ship drill. Having also
had a fire drill, and a man-overboard drill, the novelty has worn a bit
thin, but the ships crew takes safety very seriously, and the rest will
take a little excitement where we can get it. |
Deploying transponders (4 images)
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