Research and Supply Vessel Laurence M. Gould
The Research & Supply Vessel Laurence M. Gould began Antarctic service in 1998. It supports science in the Antarctic Peninsula region and to supplies Palmer Station. The 230-ft ship is ice-strengthened, so that it can travel through most sea conditions. The voyage across the Drake Passage between Punta Arenas and Palmer Station takes approximately 4-5 days, depending upon the weather and the route.
The R/V Laurence M. Gould is named for the Antarctic explorer and scientist whose specialty was polar geology. Laurence M. Gould was second in command of Admiral Richard E. Byrd's first expedition to Antarctica from 1928 to 1930. He helped to set up an exploration base at Little America on the Ross Ice Shelf at the Bay of Whales. In later years, he worked for international cooperation in Antarctic scientific research. For more information about this fascinating man, click here.
When the ship is at sea, the "Marine Projects Coordinator" sends a daily Situation Report, or SITREP (for SITuation REPort). This is a table with four columns, each showing "readings" or measurements taken at four times in a 24-hour period. The measurements include latitude and longitude, to indicate the ships position; weather, condition of the ice, and other important information. The Marine Projects Coordinator also sends some comments at the end of the report. Click here for a sample SITREP.
Here is some important information about the ship: