Update

Currently we are comfortably situated at ~ 2°04N and 99°53W, heading south-southwest as we collect multibeam (bathymetric) data from the spreading center. As mentioned in a previous post, this information allows to us to glean information about the nature of the seafloor and identify interesting features including volcanic ridges and seamounts. This data is collected by slowly “zig-zagging” across the spreading center in a north-south fashion, similar to how one mows a lawn. In four days time the spreading center will be surveyed allowing us to make informed decisions and “target” dredge areas. More images of the science party to come!

Our location (red star) and where we are heading (red line).