Copyright: OCCR.

By Samuel Jaccard,

geologist and member of the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Bern, taking part in  the ACE project  Understanding the plankton’s strategy to survive.

 

 

 

We’re now stationed at Mertz Glacier (67°S, 145°E). The ship is literally docked against the glacier, since it has to keep its position for more than 8 hours for the submersible to be deployed. It’s somewhat surprising to see this huge ship with its bow stuck in the ice to make sure it doesn’t move. The footage recorded by the submersible diving under the ice tongue is broadcasted live on the mess’ TV.  One can watch the submersible slowly making its way under the ice, sampling various organisms on the seafloor using its robotic arms. The image quality is absolutely stunning.