Mixing Zephyr Program
Dive 2999

Port Observer: McDuff
Starboard Observer: Olds
Pilot: Williams
Date: 9/19/95

Summary

Dive Goals: The dive objectives included deployment of temperature probes at Milli-Q and wither Bastille or Puffer, sample fluids in the northern part of the Main Endeavour Vent Field: at two places on Dante, at Hulk, and at Dudley (only Dante was sampled), the recovery of the J-Hook deployed at Dudley (probe anchor line found melted at end), and to complete as much Mesotech coverage as possible (non run).

Dive Summary: The dive began well west of the vent field. On the transit toward Milli-Q, an area with live tube worms was observed (~1000?), but not examined to determine the extent of the activity. Problems with the navigation and data systems resulted in an erratic path to Milli-Q, which was finally reached at ~10:45. The temperature probe "Jenny" was deployed at marker AZ. The vent at Bastille, marker AM, was examined as a potential deployment site for the second temperature probe, but the terrain appeared too rugged. The probe (1-A) was then deployed at Puffer, marker AE with great difficulty. Maker BF was placed next to AE because of the difficulty in seeing marker AE. The Marker A6 was located on Dante (x=4935, y=6154, 2179 m, H 071) and water samples port outer major, port inner major, port gas tight, and gas tight 5 were taken with a temperature of 346.3°C. An unmarked site on the southwest portion of Dante was occupied and water samples were taken with starboard inner major, starboard outer major and starboard gas tight, with a temperature of 331.0°C. Marker AU was placed at the site (x=4921, y=6419, 2182 m, H 133). An attempt was made to locate the J-hook deployed at Dudley at marker AA, but only the anchor was found. During the ascent above Dudley the three Niskin bottles were fired; the red bottle at 2160 meters, the blue at 2130 meters, and the yellow at 2100 meters.