Iceapelago

by Peter Brennan

  ‘That makes sense, and all project leaders should adapt their procedures accordingly,’ said Lars. ‘Any questions for Sean?’

  ‘Will the ice water temperature affect performance?’ said one of the researchers.

  ‘I don’t know to be honest. We were told that the temperature of the meltwater was above freezing at the surface – otherwise there would be no movement. We placed a sample of the golf balls in water that was frozen to minus twenty degrees Celsius for forty-eight hours. Eight of the ten golf balls tested failed. The camera function had deteriorated quite significantly in all the golf balls. How frozen meltwater two thousand metres below the surface will affect performance is one of the lessons to be learned. However, if the golf balls are moving through currents under the ice they should perform better than if they are stuck in frozen water.’

  ‘To be honest, I’m not too bothered,’ said Lars. ‘If only a handful reach sea level we’ll have achieved a major scientific breakthrough. The sites we’ve selected are flowing at an average speed of thirty-five kilometres an hour at surface level. I know it will not be a straight run to the sea. Many will be blocked by ice formations, but we might be lucky.’

  The researchers kept asking questions.

  ‘Will we be able to retrieve the golf balls once they enter the sea?’

  Sean responded. ‘You will have to ask our Norwegian partners if that’s possible. Seriously though, they float so there is no reason why they can’t be retrieved and even reused. Imagine the thrill of going through the Greenland Ice Sheet for a second time!’

  With a broad smile, Sean concluded the conversation. ‘Lars, I so like Project Masters that I’ve arranged to hitch a lift on the Norwegian air force plane when it comes here to collect the golf balls. All going well I should be with you within the week. How is that for a surprise?’

  ‘Sean, you do know there are no golfing facilities up here at the Summit Station!’

  RV Celtic Explorer

  Killen and Gilmore were at the guardrail to greet the captain of the LÉ Michael D. Higgins as he climbed aboard the RV Celtic Explorer from a motor launch. Brennan was the most senior commander of the Irish navy. Tall and clean-cut with jet black hair and a seaman’s tan, Killen reckoned he was in his late thirties. He wore his navy dress uniform square on his shoulders, bedecked with several medals to commemorate his missions served with the United Nations. He had won his spurs thanks to two high-profile tours of duty off the shores of Libya during Europe’s refugee crisis. Killen assumed, correctly, that to get to this position at such a young age required excellent leadership skills as well as true grit.

  Brennan saluted the captain formally. Killen tried to do the same.

  ‘Captain,’ greeted the Chief Scientist.

  ‘Nice to meet you again, Professor.’

  Killen shook hands with Brennan and noticed he was in a firm grip and that Brennan made direct eye contact.

  ‘Can we have a word before we go to the briefing? Perhaps we might have a chat in your cabin,’ said Brennan in what seemed to be a helpful manner.

  The three of them walked silently to the captain’s modest accommodation. Killen shut the door. Brennan didn’t allow for any pleasantries and got straight to the point.

  ‘Captain, thanks for having me on board. I think you have been informed by the Professor about our mission and the role of your vessel.’

  ‘In part, but I don’t quite understand the secrecy,’ replied Killen.

  ‘As part of a coordinated international effort the Holland 2 will be used to test the salinity of the waters in this area of the East Atlantic. You’ve also been told, in confidence, we’ve satellite evidence that the Gulf Stream is slowing down due to the melting waters off the Greenland Ice Sheet. But the situation is a bit more complicated.’

  ‘Complicated?’ said Killen.

  ‘Let me spell it out,’ said Gilmore. ‘Ostensible we’re seeking to verify oceanographic data. However, we’ve preliminary evidence from our British friends of recent seismic activity on the ocean bed at locations on the edge of the Irish Continental Shelf, at the eastern flanks of the Eriador Seamount to be more precise. We need the manned PLU to get close to the seabed to allow us get a better picture of what is actually happening and to take some rock and gas samples.’

  ‘What does this mean?’

  ‘The scientists are concerned that unusual seismic activity might be a pre-cursor to a significant volcanic eruption possibly generating a tsunami that could do serious damage to the British Isles. They have asked us and the British Navy and a government research vessel that are some one hundred kilometres north of this location to get measurements and visual evidence of whatever is happening.’

  The penny finally dropped. Killen composed himself.

  ‘That certainly adds a new dimension to what we’re about and explains why everyone is talking in hushed tones. It’s about time we got a clear indication as to why we’re so far off the west coast of Ireland whistling in the proverbial wind.’

  Killen wasn’t so much angry as unsettled by his role and the involvement of his ship. As the reality of the Eriador Project unfolded, he was experiencing both emotions. A ship’s captain can’t function properly unless he has access to all the facts that might affect the performance of his ship. It wasn’t possible to steer a ship with one’s hands metaphorically tied behind one’s back.

  ‘But there has never been volcanic activity along Ireland’s Continental Shelf?’ Killen posed the question to himself as much as to his visitors.

  Brennan responded. ‘Captain Killen, like you, I’m not an expert regarding such matters. We need to plan for several dives by the ROV and the PLU and to hand over this task to those who are best equipped to do the work. Everyone is waiting for us in the mess hall so let’s see what the teams need from us. Fine?’

  ‘No problem.’

  He meant the opposite. He always had a problem with lying. In truth, that’s why his marriage had lasted so long. His darling Orlaith could spot a lie at fifty paces. He could never bluff.

  Gerdy Gilmore took a moment to reflect before he briefed the crew and the scientists about what lay ahead. The past week was a bit of a haze, all as a result of his meeting with the enigmatic Billy van Os.

  ‘If the news about the Gulf Stream stopping wasn’t enough to keep one worried for a lifetime, what does all this mean – and just months before I’m due to retire?’ He decided to keep this thought to himself.

  As he entered the mess hall the room fell silent. The ship’s mess hall was again packed to capacity as Gilmore made his way to a small table near the port side window. Before he started his presentation he noticed Captain Killen at the rear of the room sullen faced with his arms crossed.

  ‘Captain,’ he greeted him. A necessary protocol in front of his crew.

  ‘Professor.’

  The barest acknowledgement. His colleagues could sense all wasn’t well.

  Gilmore coughed to catch attention.

  ‘Welcome everyone. Best I start.’ He powered up his slide presentation. The introductory slide read ‘The Eriador Project.’

  ‘A few new introductions are needed. When you find out who’s on board, you’ll get a better sense about the nature of this research mission. At the outset I must make it clear that this is a joint operation involving the Irish and British navies, which has political support at the highest levels of both Governments. We had planned a four-week research programme to conduct deep water salinity tests. These activities using the Holland 2 will go ahead as planned. The additional dimension is that we’re going to use the PLU to explore the seabed to capture images of possible volcanic activity and to take rock and chemical samples. Hence the need to bolster our research crew.’

  There was a clear sense of rising anticipation in the room as the primary focus of the research mission was unveiled.

  ‘Fi
rst of all, I would like to introduce you to Vice-Commodore Noel Brennan, Captain of the LÉ Michael D. Higgins who will give you more background.’

  ‘Thanks, Professor. We’ve assembled a scientific team at under a week’s notice for the tasks we’ve been set. Many thanks to everyone for dropping other priorities and getting to Galway at such short notice. My job is to provide you with supplies and communications as we expect to be on station for at least two months. It’s also very possible that we’ll need additional equipment, and perhaps a few more scientists depending on what we find. Our light Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter has the range to fly to Galway Airport should that be necessary. Before I ask members of the team to tell you what they will be doing, I would like to introduce you to Johnny Drew who works for British Military Intelligence. Johnny is our guest on the LÉ Michael D. Higgins.’

  Drew stood up. Everyone knew he was a spy. He was the only one in the room other than the Vice-Commodore wearing a jacket and tie. Nobody on a research vessel ever dressed with such formality.

  ‘I wish I could say it’s nice to be here. The background is that two weeks ago we were tracking Russian submarine activity off the Rockall Plateau using our seabed sonar devices. This kit also has the capability to read and record seismic activity. While finding a Sierra Kondor class submarine on routine patrol wasn’t much of a surprise, we were more than astonished that a 2.8 Richter scale earthquake was recorded close to the seabed in the Maury Channel as the submarine sailed by.’

  Killen took an instant dislike to the spy. His plummy Oxbridge accent concealed his Irish heritage. That didn’t bother him. He was under instructions to do a job for His Majesty’s Military Intelligence.

  ‘There were many minor aftershocks before another shallow earthquake was recorded ten days ago, immediately beneath the eastern flank of the Eriador Seamount. We also have intelligence from our American friends that there have been a series of low volume tremors in other parts of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge as far south as the Canary Islands. An isolated small-scale sub-marine earthquake or two would not be grounds for concern, but when a pattern appears then it behoves us to check it out.’

  Drew continue to deliver his script, ‘Our satellite assets, as well as those of NOAA, are being deployed to support this mission. My job is to make sure you get access to our data. This will help you pinpoint the optimum search locations for the PLU and potentially the ROV. In an arguable breach of military protocol, I’m going to be based on the LÉ Michael D. Higgins as Liaison Officer. In that manner both navies and our collective scientific effort will be coordinated and put to best use.’

  Drew didn’t take any questions. Spies don’t like to have to explain themselves after all.

  Gilmore thanked him and then invited the next speaker. Tony Doherty took the floor. The crew knew he was a scientist: he fitted the stereotype perfectly. He clutched a file of papers wrapped in thick elastic bands that had multiple Post-it notes on numerous pages. His glasses, perched at the end of his nose, were ill-fitting. His doubled breasted brown cord jacket with multiple pockets contained at least ten pencils and pens. A small ruler protruded from his top pocket. He had numerous books, note pads and a small Apple laptop in front of him. He was set to lecture his students and not his peers, least of all the increasingly sceptical crew of the RV Celtic Explorer. He was out of his comfort zone.

  He started nervously, handkerchief in hand. ‘I’m the Professor of Oceanography at the University of Maynooth. Best if I give you a quick overview of the geology of the area we’re in. The Rockall Plateau was once part of Greenland, about fifty-five million years ago and sank as North America separated from Europe. The seabed is shallow and comprises many narrow and wide valleys. At the time there was widespread volcanic activity so thermal uplifts grew the plateau’s height while keeping it mainly below sea level.’

  He paused for effect and to catch his breath. He blew his nose this time with a great explosion of air. ‘Rockall itself, part of Ireland’s territory, is the only place it rises above sea level. It has the same alkali granite composition as can be found on some islands of Scotland and on Greenland. To the north-east, there is a feature called the Anton Dohrn Seamount, which is an underwater summit that rises fifteen hundred metres from the seabed to some six hundred metres below the surface. It too was formed by volcanic activity many moons ago. Many of these sub-sea mountains are higher than some Alpine peaks.’

  Much of the following detail went over the heads of the crew.

  ‘The eastern margin of the Plateau, where we are now, is called the Feni Ridge and runs in a north-east to south-west direction for over six hundred kilometres. Here the Irish Continental Shelf drops sharply. In fact, in some parts there are sheer cliffs over three hundred metres high.’

  He moved the presentation forward to display a 3D map of the sea floor. ‘Despite all we know about the marine environment of this area of the Atlantic Ocean, we’ve very limited scientific evidence of the behaviour of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that run the length of the Atlantic Ocean. And when we start seeing seismic activity after tens of thousands of years of stability, we’ve no option but to check out exactly what’s going on. My colleague, Maeve O’Farrell, will lead the PLU research team. Maeve could you be so kind as to tell us what to expect.’

  Whatever about paying attention to a grey-haired ageing Professor with a legacy cough from decades of smoking hand rolled cheroots, listening to an attractive, thirty-something with a West of Ireland lilt proved much more interesting to the crew. Her black hair was tied back in a neat chignon with red and blue bobbins keeping it in place. She wore a pair of bright pink granny glasses that balanced her subtly made-up face.

  ‘I’m the senior researcher of the Volcanic Analytics Department at the National University of Ireland Galway, and an academic colleague of Tony. I’m so excited to be here! It’s not often that we get the opportunity to monitor such activity in Ireland, or even offshore Ireland. Initially we were going to take the PLU submersible five hundred metres down the side of the Feni Ridge and later to explore the slopes that comprise the Eriador Seamount. In the light of the recent intelligence, we’ll skip the first location and focus our attentions on the Eriador Seamount. This is where all the action appears to be.’

  Vinnie Crowley chipped in. He was well-read and didn’t hesitate to show off. He had an irresistible urge to try to impress any women that came near him.

  ‘Eriador is a J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings character isn’t it?’

  O’Farrell smiled at him. He was old enough to be her father. Crowley blushed. He had not done that in quite some time.

  ‘Yes, well nearly. It’s the western part of his Middle Earth that lies between the Misty and Blue Mountains. In fact, the name is of Elvish origin and means “Lovely Lands”.’

  ‘Let’s hope we don’t run into the armies of Melkor then. I much prefer Hobbits,’ Crowley continued his one-to-one conversation with Maeve, with everyone else listening in.

  ‘I don’t expect we’ll find dragons or anything too fearsome in the depths. However, I do expect to detect some signs of seismic activity. That’s why we’ve added a package of seismic and chemical detectors to the PLU. We’ve also taken the precaution to bolt on a sulphur dioxide testing kit.’

  O’Farrell smiled again and continued. She accepted she was attractive and was happy to make the most of it when she was presenting. ‘Andy Gallery is the best volcanologist we have in Ireland, so perhaps Andy you can explain what our instruments will be looking for.’

  Gallery, weather beaten in appearance, had spent decades on the summits of ancient calderas all over the world. Like O’Farrell, he was keen to put his practical skills to good use close to his native land. He was a cautious man, small in stature with few words. Years spent in solo observations on mountain tops doesn’t provide much opportunity for conversation.

  ‘It’s important to have access to de
tailed seismic data. This will tell us if the magma under the earth’s crust is moving or fracturing. These may be signals that are symptomatic of background volcanic activity, which is likely to culminate in a major explosion. Another, far more vital, tell-tale sign is the change in the rate of gas escape, or variations in the cocktail of gases escaping. If we manage to detect, for example, an increase in sulphur dioxide at a vent this usually reflects the arrival of gas-rich magma not far below the surface.

  The deep furrows on his brow of thinning hair indicated he was clearly concerned. ‘The higher the level of gas emissions the higher the probability that an active lava dome is growing in size. We’ve installed what is called a COSPEC – a correlation spectrometer – on the PLU. If we manage to find sulphur gas leakage on the seabed and can take some samples, this equipment will give us the readings we need to make an assessment about the imminence and possible magnitude of any volcanic activity.’

  Crowley, impatient as ever, wasn’t at all impressed with the science mumbo jumbo.

  He interrupted. ‘How wide an area are you planning to survey, and how long will this take?’

  ‘The two locations where the British satellites spotted seismic activity are well defined and only one hundred kilometres apart. I envisage a series of dives at these two locations initially. I expect we may have to stay on location for a while as volcanic activity can happen at great intervals between events. As everything is weather dependent, we’ve allowed a period of two months, or perhaps a little longer depending on what we find. As you have been told, we’ll also get access to the output of the British Navy’s array of seabed sonar detectors and will be working in close collaboration with the other assets that are being used as part of this wider research effort. Time, to be honest, is not the issue. Mother Earth will decide when and where we conclude our business.’

  ‘But what about our salinity research programme?’ demanded Eugene Carroll.