The aim of the project is to study the influence of the North Scotia Ridge on Antarctic Circumpolar Current. We will conduct a hydrographic section (measuring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and ocean currents) between the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and deploy three current meters and two bottom pressure recorders (BPRs) in Shag Rocks Passage. The moorings and bottom pressure recorders will be deployed for 18 months and will hopefully be recovered in the Autumn of 2004.
The first cruise will take place between 23rd April 2003 and 9th May 2003 on the RRS James Clark Ross. The cruise is designated JR80 by the British Antarctic Survey who run the ship. The principal scientists are David Stevens of the School of Mathematics, Karen Heywood of the School of Environmental Sciences (both at the University of East Anglia) and Mike Meredith of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory. There are 15 scientists and support staff participating in the cruise.
During the cruise we plan to issue regular bulletins describing our progress. These bulletins will include graphics showing the cruise track as we progress, a selection of initial results and some digital photographs. The British Antarctic Survey also run a diary from the ship
King's Law (from the ALBATROSS cruise, but equally relevant).
