We are in the Chukchi Sea. We began to see small chunks of ice early this morning, and by lunch we could hear the scraping and feel vibrations as Healy moved through ice. This isn't something for which you are easily prepared; it just doesn't seem right to be taking the ship directly THROUGH ice!
Marine Mammal Sightings
I have been spending some time on the Bridge learning about Arctic birds and marine mammals. Watching for these animals is somewhat addictive; you just don't want to leave because that's when the next sighting might occur. Some whales have been seen over the past few days, but today walruses and seals were the stars of the show! It is difficult to imagine how anything can thrive in the frigid Arctic waters, but there is an abundance of life, from algae on the ice to benthic worms to jelly fish to large marine mammals.
A beautiful ribbon seal watched as the Healy passed.
This ribbon seal stayed on the ice as the ship passed.
Mother walrus and calf.
It was really exciting to see this walrus mom and calf. Notice how small the calf is compared to the mother.
Small piece of sea ice. There is a range of colors.
Coverage of sea ice increased as we continued to travel.
The colors of the sea ice vary from dirty, brownish algal to vivid turquoise.
Q and A
Q: Walruses and seals are pinnipeds. What does the term "pinniped" mean?
Answer from last Q: The box corer will sample benthic organisms.