1:34 PM We climbed down to the lava shelf that lies between the ocean and the layers of dirt and trash. Large metal objects are scattered about the lava shelf - old wheels, engine blocks, turbines, huge chunks of steel that have corroded beyond recognition. Although it is visually unappealing, if it is just iron rusting then this would be a minor impact on the environment. However, I saw batteries and other industrial objects which are also releasing lead, mercury, and other less benign metals and materials into the sea.