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Journal 1 -
Melissa Southwell: Day 4: Friday, September 19, 2003
Today Chris and I were able to set up the second of three experiments involving nitrogen fixation by bacteria in sponges. The experimental mechanism has performed very well so far, which is a blessing. However, unfortunately for me, setting up and breaking down these experiments requires me to spend quite a lot of time in the wet porch (not a very pleasant place), but I do get to go out and monitor the experiments in the afternoon and at night. The area around the habitat seems like a different place at night - fish that were swimming lazy circles in the daytime go into hyper-drive at night, darting in erratic patterns after their prey. Also, it appears that the fish are more abundant at night, perhaps because they are attracted to the exterior lights of the habitat. I must say it's an eerie feeling to be working and have shadows passing over me as the fish circle overhead. Each time it happens, the theme song from "Jaws" plays in my head: Duh nuh.... duh nuh.... duh nuh duh nuh duh nuh. It's enough to make me laugh into my regulator, and almost enough to make me forget about the sensation of a cold wetsuit at four in the morning... I have really been impressed with the effort and professionalism of the
Aquarius crew. They have really made an effort to assist us in whatever
crisis presents itself. We all owe them many thanks for the work they've
put into this mission. |
Mission
Date: September, 2003 Mission Summary Aquanaut Profiles Expedition Journals Mission Pictures |
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