Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 10:10
Forums
Seafloor Organisms and Changing Ocean Conditions in Antarctic

Hi Ms. Herrmann,

This question is from 8th Grade Science students at PFMS. We have been following your journey and know that you are passing through the Drake passage. We have noticed that there are no landmasses to slow down/change direction of the wind and have heard because of this, waves are very high and there are lots of rogue waves. In your estimate, what is the highest wave you have seen? Also, does your boat have stabilizers to help counteract the large waves.

Thanks! Kari and 8th Grade Science Students at PFMS

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:16

Nell Herrmann

Hi Kari and 8th graders at PFMS!You are right about the lack of landmasses at this latitude. I was just reading that fossil evidence suggests the Drake Passage opened about 41 million years ago, allowing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which cooled Antarctica significantly. Prior to that, it wasn't so open.
There are large pontoon-like structures on the sides of the ship for stability; they were actually put there to correct a 16-degree "list" that the ship originally had. Things seem pretty rocky to me right now; my roommate is actually feeling seasick so I need to go check on her soon. I was up in the bridge earlier and the first mate said the seas are about 12-14 feet. That actually isn't too bad; other scientists have told me they've traveled through the passage with 25-foot seas.
I'm sure hoping we don't encounter any rogue waves!
Thanks for the great questions,
Nell