IODP Expedition 390C
South Atlantic Transect Reentry Systems
Daily Science Report for 5 December 2020
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Science update: We completed the remaining 103 nmi of the 1723 nmi transit to Cape Town, South Africa, at an average speed of 7.7 kt. The pilot boarded at 1202 h and the tug boat pulled alongside for maneuvering at 1216 h. Expedition 390C ended with the first line ashore at 1306 h. The EchoSim device was received and testing of issues with the sonar dome began. Testing will continue during port call. Expedition 390C staff will remain on the ship overnight and clear customs and immigration on 6 December.
Daily Science Report for 4 December 2020
Location: In transit to Cape Town, South Africa
Science update: The ship transited 185 nmi at an average speed of 7.7 kt for a total of 1620 nmi out of the 1723 nmi to Cape Town, South Africa. Expected arrival time in Cape Town is ~1200 h tomorrow.
Daily Science Report for 3 December 2020
Location: In transit to Cape Town, South Africa
Science update: The ship transited 247 nmi at an average speed of 10.3 kt for a total of 1435 nmi out of the 1723 nmi to Cape Town, South Africa. Staff finalized technical reports for the expedition. Expected arrival time in Cape Town is ~0600 h on 5 December 2020.
Daily Science Report for 2 December 2020
Location: In transit to Cape Town, South Africa
Science update: The ship transited 271 nmi at an average speed of 11.3 kt for a total of 1188 nmi out of the 1723 nmi to Cape Town, South Africa. Staff participated in virtual crossover meetings with oncoming crew and finished cleaning laboratory spaces. A connector for the 3.5 kHz echosounder was found to be arcing. A temporary solution of wrapping it in electrical tape restored functionality and the instrument is now providing bathymetric data. If it continues to function, the connector can be soldered. The EchoSim test of the sonar dome is still planned to check for additional or related issues.
Daily Science Report for 1 December 2020
Location: In transit to Cape Town, South Africa
Science update: The ship transited 277 nmi at an average speed of 11.5 kt for a total of 917 nmi out of the 1723 nmi to Cape Town, South Africa. The towed magnetometer was deployed for a test of the newly terminated cable and has been successfully collecting data since. Staff held a meeting with the EchoSim echo simulation device vendor to discuss future tests to be conducted on the sonar dome.