9 hours 28 min from now
My first 9 meter core sample
The 34 million year old core sample only recently came back on the ship, but that sediment sure did have a lovely scent. Calvin Klein probably could not market it, however if you are looking for a cheap alternative smell to replace the 3 week old cheese in your fridge, we may have a winner. At least our 9 meters of sample did not include the mold that another group had. Reminded me of an 8th grade science Fair Project. Our layer did have excellent coloration showing a change from a light to dark. A more gradual change compared to other sediment samples that also had the Eocene-Oligocene Boundary in it. So many new terms and words I had no clue exsisted.
Class from 8am-9pm is also smelly;)
Everyone on the ship and on the trip are so amazing. The stories and how each individual ended up on this ship at this time is very interesting. Time to get back to class, a little too much work for summer break, but I am learning so much!
Comments
SUCCESS!!!! The drill shaft is in the cork
SUCCESS!!! I am actually taking time during lunch to tell you about our newest adventure. Those of you who know me must realize I am that excited to skip food:) We just entered the Cork with the drill shaft. The pipe is 2660 meters long and acts like a wet noodle hanging beneath the ship. The driller needs to insert the drill into a hole about a square foot large. Helping him is the Dynamic Positioning Operator who is sitting in a room with millions of dollars of technology controlling the 12 different motors that help keep the ship stable while the ocean swells. (Also awesome for sleeping) They can not see each other but communicate how to position the ship. They also have a camera hanging down from the drill to help them aim into the cork. We all watch the high tech enterprise for over an hour on black and white screens around the ship. You could see sperm like fish darting in front of the lens while the wet noodle moved. After the DP operator moved the ship it took a few minutes for the drill head to correspond. The drillers on the ship are the best in the world and they slip it in, a large applause and many picture flashes took place shortly after. Next they will begin to add cement, but now its time for lunch!!
How's the weather?
Hi Eddie,
Sounds like you are all having an intense but great time! I can't wait to read more posts from you, Helder, Joe M, and Jean-Luc! Hey there's nothing better than the sense-appeal of a research cruise! Enjoy!
Missy