Aurora Australis Voyage 4 (SEXY II) 1998-99 Underway Data

This dataset contains the underway data collected during Aurora Australis Voyage 4, 1998-99 (SEXY II). This voyage departed Hobart to Casey, Davis and Sansom Island, returning to Fremantle after sustaining damage to the propeller system. Underway (meteorological, fluorometer, thermosalinograph and bathymetry) data are available online via the Australian Antarctic Division Data Centre web page (or via the provided URL). For further information, see the Voyage Leader's Report or the Marine Science Support Data Quality Report via the Related URL section. From the Voyage Leader's Report:Voyage 4 on RSV Aurora Australis, the Davis resupply and Casey, Davis and Mawson changeover voyage and Marine Science Seal Survey left Hobart on 29 October 1998. This was the first voyage of the vessel since the fire on board in July. At Casey, expeditioners and cargo were delivered and cargo and expeditioners transferred from Polar Bird. The seal survey commenced after leaving Casey. Concern was expressed at this stage regarding bunker availability to complete the proposed voyage. Ice conditions were difficult en route to Davis. Station resupply including the delivery of fuel was completed at Davis in difficult weather conditions and the station was "changed over". A large number of scientific programs, including aerial photography were completed. Goods were transported to Zhong Shan Station. Delivery of fuel and field equipment was made to Sansom Island. En route to Mawson, mechanical problems prevented a visit by the vessel to Mawson. Changeover of Mawson and cargo delivery was however, undertaken by helicopter. As a result of these mechanical problems, the schedule was abandoned and the vessel towed by the Japanese ship Shirase until temporary repairs were effected. The South African tug, John Ross, then accompanied Aurora Australis to Fremantle, Western Australia, arriving on 27 December 1998. The seal survey, the major scientific program was cancelled, but a number of other programs as detailed in this report were successfully completed on the voyage.