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Top of SectionThe motive behind the diving expedition, was exactly that, ie a diving expedition to a remote and decidedly different location, with both adventure and a chance to dive with a purpose.
The original scientific aims and objectives of the diving expedition as given in our application for a Royal Geographical Society grant and approval were: To make a detailed study of the type locality for the mineral ikaite i.e. Ikka fjord in SW Greenland; mapping its occurrence, collecting samples on behalf of researchers and scientific collections in Britain and Denmark, and making an underwater video and stills photographic record of the site. The study was to be performed in co-operation with a Danish zoological expedition from the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen.
The survey was envisaged to be split into five stages as set out below, and generally, the expedition was able to adhere to this schedule.
First Stage: Reconnaissance dives performed as transits across the fjord to identify the locations of the mineral. Selection of a representative study area.
Second stage: Establish a permanent shore marker of known co-ordinates and a base line to act as a reference for this and any subsequent surveys.
Third Stage: Map the occurrence of ikaite columns and mounds on a plane just off the fjord bed. Three dimensional measurements of selected examples to create a computer digital elevation model of the features.
Fourth Stage: Sample the waters of the fjord and springs. Collect representative samples of ikaite. Core the ikaite columns and establish their internal arrangements.
Fifth Stage: Film the ikaite structures by both still camera and underwater video. Produce submarine stereo-pairs of examples of the mineral columns.