20 August 2007 Captain Gary Chiljean R/V Atlantis, Voyage #15, Leg XXII Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Mail Stop #27 Woods Hole, MA  02543 Dear Captain Chiljean:   On or about 25 August 2007, your vessel being ready for sea and weather permitting, you will depart Astoria, Oregon, on Leg XXII of Voyage #15.  Upon completion of the science activities the vessel shall return to Astoria, Oregon, on 6 September 2007. The main scientific research objective is to determine thermal preference, tolerance, critical thermal maxima, and temperature ranges in nature for the three species of alvinellid worms at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Affects of extreme environmental temperature on cellular viability will be measured. Physiological and biochemical studies will be used to characterize compensatory mechanisms. Metabolism, the role of circulation in thermal regulation, protein turnover, thermally stable enzymes, protective solutes, and mitochondrial Arrhenius breakpoints will be investigated. The planned activities include Alvin operations and Seabeam surveys. The operations area will be the Juan de Fuca Ridge: Endeavour and Middle Valley Segments in the vicinity of 48°30N 129°20 W; 47°30N 128°36W.   Scientific marine research within the exclusive economic zone of Canada is pending. The scientific personnel participating on this voyage under the direction of Dr. Raymond Lee, Chief Scientist, Washington State University, are: R/V Atlantis Voyage #15, Leg XXII 25 August 2007 - 6 September 2007 Astoria, Oregon - Astoria, Oregon Dr. Raymond Lee, Chief Scientist, Washington State University Mr. Ray Andrell, Washington State University Dr. Christian Rinke, Washington State University Mr. John Rutherford, Washington State University Dr. Paul Schroeder, Washington State University Dr. Peter Girguis, Harvard University Dr. Erik Cordes, Harvard University Dr. Julie Robidart, Harvard University Mr. Scott Wankel, Harvard University Mr. Geoffrey Dilly, Harvard University Mr. Michael Clinchot, Harvard University Mr. Peter Batson, Harvard University Dr. Marvin Lilley, University of Washington Ms. Min-Hui Lin, University of Washington Mr. Mitchell Elend, University of Washington Dr. Lisa Levin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Ms. Serena Moseman, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Mr. Guillermo Mendoza, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Mr. Andrew Thurber, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Dr. Kenneth Halanych, Auburn University Dr. Wiebke Ziebis, University of Southern California Ms. Victoria Bertics, University of Southern California Ms. Nadine Eisenkolb, University of Southern California Dr. Paul Yancey, Whitman College Mr. David Sims, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ms. Amy Simoneau, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution The ship's agent in Astoria, Oregon, will be: Ship Service Co. 968 Commercial St. Astoria, OR 97103 Contact: Lou Marconeri Phone: (503) 325-3721 Fax: (503) 325-4109 Cell: (503) 791-0796 Email: lmarconeri@knutsenins.com Send large packages (any package over 20 lbs) to: R/V Ship Name Attn: Scientist's Name c/o Port of Astoria Foot of Portway Astoria, OR 97103 Please note:  At the completion of this voyage, both the Captain and Chief Scientist should fill out a Post-Cruise Assessment form.  The form is on-line at the following web site: http://www.gso.uri.edu/unols/pcarform.htm Please advise the Port Office of all personnel changes prior to departure and maintain the daily SITREP via INMARSAT C or other means as required. Please advise the Port Office of all significant expenses incurred, particularly the quantity, price and source of fuel oil.  Also, at each port stop, please advise the Port Office the gallons of fuel on board, stating the date the inventory was taken. I wish you a pleasant and successful voyage. Very truly yours, Approved and Signed by Robert S. Detrick Vice President for Marine Facilities and Operations