As the field season draws closer, I think about how lucky I am to be part of the Pavilion Lake project and of all the amazing people and activities that are part of my research. This year will be my second time driving the submersibles at Pavilion and I can’t wait! It’s hard to believe that already a year has gone by since the last field season. We’ve been so busy prepping for the science and how we’re going to use the subs this year that I feel the need to stop and remember what a unique opportunity this is and how much fun it is to actually drive the DeepWorkers! Everything from launch, to navigating our flights plans, and to recovery is done with the support of an amazing team of people that allows the pilots to focus on the science and of course, on our driving!

Driving the submersible is in some ways similar to driving a car, but we usually describe how the subs move through the water as ‘flying’, because you are moving in three dimensions like the pilot of an aircraft. Most of the power and control over speed comes from your feet and foot pedals that let you move forward and back, but they also allow you to move up and down at the same time. Of course, learning to steer with your feet rather than a steering wheel is a different story. One little twist of the foot is all it takes to start heading in a new direction. That is, unless you have small feet like me and then it’s a big twist of the foot before you go anywhere! Fortunately I have comfy slippers that help fill the foot pedals and keep my feet toasty warm in chilly depths of the lake. It can definitely get cold down at the bottom of the lake (about 4 ºC) so wearing several layers of warm clothing is a must if you want to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, sweatshirts are not too much fun when you’re waiting on deck in the middle of hot July day but they’re definitely worth it once you’re in the water. I’d also recommend a hearty breakfast before launch as it’s hard to find good snacks at 200 ft. Our missions tend to run around 2 hours and despite the fact that it may sound like a long time, it’s amazing how quickly time flies. In addition to keeping our eyes open for interesting microbialites or other intriguing finds, we also have to keep track of our navigation, video recording, life support and maintain a narration of the environment around us. But it’s very easy to simply get caught up in the wonder of being surrounded by fields of microbialites.

We really are lucky to have the opportunity to explore such a unique and interesting environment. There are so many exciting things to see that I’m always disappointed when the dive is over and it’s time to return to the surface. So with only two more weeks to go, my slippers are packed and I’m ready to fly!

~ Allyson

Email Us | Email to a Friend
Tags: Deepworker, flight plan
Rate this Article

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...