Daily Logs
Week 8

Sunday, October 21, 2001
Monday (not available)
Tuesday, October 23, 2001
Wednesday, October 24, 2001

Date: Sunday, October 21, 2001
Photos: Packing up the equipment
Latitude: 20o S
Longitude: 85o W
Air Temp. 18.7 o C
Sea Temp. 18.6o C
Sea Wave: 3 - 4 ft.
Swell Wave: 4 - 5 ft.
Visibility: 10 miles
Cloud cover: 5/8

Science Log: What to do when you haven't got a clue?
This is the question that the folks in the ETL vans want you to think about. We were talking about the idea that scientists love to question the world around them and find ways of quantifying their observations and proving their theories. But another aspect of being a scientist is being a problem solver. Taniel and Duayne in the radar van were getting a "funny" reading from their computer and they didn't know why. Could it be a malfunction in the computer or the radar? Perhaps it was raining and causing the radar to see things differently. Maybe the sensors weren't lined up properly. There were many ideas and they had to go through each one. They agreed that to solve the problem they both had to brainstorm lots of ideas together and then rule them out one by one. In this case they also sent email to their lab in Colorado for advice. In the end they did figure it out and fix the problem. Taniel and Duayne look at it as kind of a puzzle and they keep trying until they have put it together. It's called perserverance!

Travel Log:
The science on board is just about complete. Now thoughts are turning to preparing to leave the ship on Thursday. So much of the equipment must be put away and this takes man and machine power and a lot of coordination. Remember, when we get off the ship another science group with completely different needs will be coming onboard. Most of their stuff is onboard in a big trailer that was loaded months ago in Seattle, Washington. Can you imagine packing for a trip that you won't take for six months?

Photo descriptions: Today's photos: Different aspects of getting ready to depart. Boxes and crates and cranes!

Only 4 more days until land,
Jane

Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2001
Latitude: 20o S
Longitude: 78o W
Air Temp. 16.0 o C
Sea Temp. 17.0o C
Sea Wave: < 1 ft.
Swell Wave: 2 - 4 ft.
Visibility: 8 - 10 miles
Cloud cover: 8/8

Science Log - Doldrums and Horses
We are in the doldrums. It's true. The ocean looks like a lake. No wind, no waves, nothing. I went to the captain and asked him about it, and he gave me information about doldrums and horse latitudes. Apparently there is a belt of low pressure at the ocean surface near the equator. It is usually overcast (stratus clouds again) and it is incredibly still. This was really, really bad for the sailors of the old days (no wind, no go). In fact, the horse latitudes (which are similar to the doldrums) were so named because ships that were stuck here for long periods of time used to throw their horses overboard to conserve water and lighten the load. For us though it is wonderful (love those engines!). With no wave or wind to slow us down we have made excellent time. In fact, we have slowed down on purpose (we can't arrive in Chile too early) so the crew can go fishing. If they are successful we will have a bar-b-que on the deck tonight!

Travel Log: Just after my last webcast I went out on the deck and saw a HUGE leatherback turtle! The water was so calm it was easy to spot him. The Boson thought it was as big as a Volkswagen Beetle! Then we saw a few more off in the distance. I don't have any reference material out here so I can't find out much about them. So here's your question...

Question of the day:
How large do leatherback turtles get, and what do they eat?

Only 2 more days until land,
Jane

Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2001
Latitude: 19o S
Longitude: 73o W
Air Temp. 21.0 o C
Sea Temp. 19.0o C
Sea Wave: < 1 ft.
Swell Wave: 1 - 3ft.
Visibility: 8 - 10 miles
Cloud cover: 6/8

Science Log: Wednesday - The Last Day of the Epic 2001 Voyage
This is the end of Epic 2001! Actually it's rather anti-climactic. People are packing up their belonging, finding their passports, exchanging photos, and talking about dinner plans in Arica. This has been an excellent trip for all involved. The scientists are happy, the weather cooperated, no serious injuries or illnesses were reported, and people got along. What more could you ask for?

For me this was an incredible experience, one that I shall reflect upon for a long time. I've been exposed to a lot of science I knew nothing about and have been inspired by some very bright thinkers. More than that though, I've had an opportunity to share in this project that has far-reaching consequences for the entire planet.

I'm proud to be part of a community of researchers that has been supported through NOAA and NSF. Government support of science that furthers knowledge of our planet for the betterment of all is some of the best work we can do. An outreach program that communicates the results and the excitement to the next generation ensures that this endeavor will continue into the future.

Thank you,
Jane Temoshok

Note for educators: Although Jennifer and Jane's reseearch cruise ended, the EPIC research continues. Please use this web site, Jennifer and Jane's lesson plans, daily logs, the videos, and the photos to educate your students about climate, El Niño, and scientific research in general.

Consider this web site, as well as the TAO web site, a resource for teaching your students.

Many organizations and countries are involved in funding the EPIC Experiment. Primary U. S. funding is provided by The National Science Foundation and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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