May 15th, 2003; Leg 6, Day #1

As the dive continued into the afternoon, we encountered a hummocky bottom that had more burrows. Seafloor life became more abundant. We passed through a broad swath of seafloor rich in frilly sea pens, and we found increasing numbers of crabs and shrimp in their burrows on the seafloor. The increase in abundance of seafloor-dwelling organisms we observed is consistent with the well-established change in the oxygen concentration in the bottom waters of the Gulf of California. Although depths vary around the Gulf, there is an oxygen minimum zone that spans roughly 400 meters to 700 meters water depth. The seawater in this zone has been stripped of its oxygen by vigorous decay of organic material raining down from the photic zone down to the seafloor. Where this oxygen-depleted zone of ocean water impinges on the seafloor, little oxygen is available for organisms that respire. Thus, great expanses of the seafloor within the oxygen minimum zone have reduced numbers of organisms because of the dearth of oxygen. 

While the dive progressed during the afternoon, it became apparent that summer is beginning to descend on La Paz. The heat and humidity reminded me of a sultry summer day along the east coast of the U.S. Isla Espiritu Santo became shrouded in a summer-time haze (see above). At 2:00 p.m., we had our standard fire and boat drill. The scientists mustered in the science lab, and we reviewed safety procedures, ship’s bell signals, the station bill, and how to put on a survival suit. One item that we are expected to bring to a fire and boat drill is a hat. Unfortunately, Dave Caress couldn’t find his in time, so he improvised (see right). I think he might be setting a trend in nautical headgear. After the safety briefing, we all returned to the cool, dark recesses of the control room. Today’s dive ended in a water depth of about 250 meters. Once ROV Tiburon was on deck, we immediately set sail for our next dive site, which is offshore from Loredo. It will take about 12 hours to reach the site. While unloading the core and rock samples we collected today, Charlie Paull went scavenging in the sample drawer on Tiburon and made a discovery that brought a big smile to his face (see below). 

Charlie Paull is delighted, bagging his first-ever rhodolith.

A number of you have been asking about Pinkie. Where is Pinkie? Little has been heard from Pinkie for the past week. Is she still on the bottom tending to her garden? Or will she emerge from the deep sea? Stay tuned for further adventures of Pinkie. 

– Bill Ussler, reporting

Today, compliments of our roving reporter, we have another mystery photo. Can you determine what the ship’s crew is doing to those big white things? Answer tomorrow.