Dr. Leslie R. Sautter

Dr. Leslie R. Sautter, associate professor of geology at the College of Charleston, spoke to the Explorers Club, Greater Piedmont Chapter, June 10, on her expeditions to deep sea habitats off the coast of SC. She and her team, which included Dr. Steve Stancyk of USC, past chair of the Greater Piedmont Chapter, have explored the rocky shelf known as the Charleston Bump over the past four years. This feature, an extension of the continental shelf, causes the Gulf Stream to take an easterly turn away from the Carolina coast.

Sautter dove in a four–man submersible to a depth of 2998 feet, just short of its 3000–foot limit. During her many three–hour dives she found species of red bass and wreckfish not known to exist at that depth. Her major discovery involved outcroppings of sandstone packed with animal life, including snails and urchins.

Ginny Newell, an art conservator, will speak at the next Explorers Club meeting July 8. She will explain how she restores and conserves valuable historic artworks. Visitors are welcome at the meeting. Contact Dr. Warner M. Montgomery for information: 803-771-0219 or warnerm@sc.rr.com.