2 EXPEDITION OF THE "ALBATROSS," 1899-1900. 



the deepest sounding we obtained thus far in the unexplored part of the 

 Pacific througli which we were passing. From that point the depths varied 

 from 2883 to 2090 and 2776, diminishing to 2583, and gradually pas.sing 

 to 2440, 2463, and 247-3 lathoms. until off the Marquesas, in lat. 7° 58' S., 

 long. 139' 08' W., the depth became 2287 fathoms. It then passed to 1939, 

 1802, and 1040 fathoms in lat. 8' 41' S., long. 139' 46' W.. Nukuliiva Island 

 being about twenty miles distant. Between Nukuhiva and Ilounanu Point, 

 Ua-IIuka Island, we obtained 830 fathoms, and five miles south ofNidcuhiva 

 687 fathoms. When leaving Nukuhiva for the Panmotus Ave sounded in 

 1284 fathoms about nine miles .south of that island. These soundings seem 

 to show that this part of the Marquesas rises from a plateau having a depth 

 of 2000 fathoms and about fifty miles in width, as at Station 29 we sounded 

 in 1932 fathoms. 



Between the Marquesas and the northwestern extremity of the Paumotus 

 we occupied nine stations, the greatest depth on that line being 2700 

 fathoms at Station 31, in lat. 12' 20' S., and long. 144° 15' W. The depths 

 varied between 2451 and 2527 fathoms, and diminished to 1208 fathoms 

 off the west end of Ahii, and then to 706 fathoms when about sixteen 

 miles N.E. off Avatoru Pass in Rangiroa atoll. 



We developed to a certain extent the width of the Paumotn Group 

 plateau by a line of soundings in continuation of the direction of Avatoru 

 Pass, extending a little less than nine miles seaward, where we obtained a 

 depth of 819 fathoms. Subse(|uently we ran a similar line normal to the 

 south .shore of the lagoon of Rangiroa, a distance of nearly twelve miles, 

 into 897 fathoms. 



Between Rangiroa and Tikehau, the next atoll to the westward, we 

 obtained a depth of 1486 fathoms. 



Between Tikehau and Matahiva six soundings were made, with a depth 

 of 488 fathoms half a mile from shore, and a greatest depth of 850 fathoms 

 six and one half miles from Tikehau. The slope approaching Matahiva is 

 steeper than the Tikehau slope. 



From Matahiva to Makatea (Aurora) Island, we made six soundings: 

 from 624 fathoms about two and one half miles off shore to 581 fathoms 

 about one and one eighth miles off the west side of the latter island, the 



