Oceanographic research cruises in the tropical Atlantic, R/V Meteor: 2018 NF-POGO Shipboard Training Fellowship for M148, Belem (BR) to Walvis Bay (NA)
(a) Bathymetric map with cruise track of R/V METEOR cruise M148 (black solid line) including locations of conductivity-temperature-depths (CTD) stations, positions of pressure inverted echo sounder (PIES) deployments, mooring and lander deployments and recoveries, glider operations and positions of Argo float releases. (b) Detailed bathymetric map and M148 cruise track of the survey area in Angolan and Namibian exclusive economic zones (EEZ). [Figures are taking from the short rapport of cruise]
My strong motivation to take part in this campaign was to look for real experience of in situ data acquisition (method and measurement technic) and to increase my ability of data processing, analyses, and interpretation. In keeping with these ambitions, my activities on FS METEOR vessel focused on:
- - CTD watch: Preparation, deployment, and monitoring of the CTD/Rosette system;
- - Performing underway CTD measurements;
- - Sampling oceanic turbulence data using a microstructure profiler;
- - Preparing and deploying Argo floats;
- - Supervising multi-beam echo sounder data acquisition
Additionally, I also assisted the technicians to prepare and set up mooring instrumentation, pressure-inverted echo sounders,and gliders. On board training also allowed me to acquire skills for determining salinity concentrations from water samples usingsalinometers. Many seminars and Matlab courses were held that increase knowledge and scientific skills. [ Period: 24th May to 29th June 2018]
• Deployment of CTD-rosettes
• Monitoring the CTD-rosette profiles on the computer
It is amazing and fantastic to close the CTD rosettes for water sampling.
• Deployment of an Argo float in the Atlantic ocean
• Preparing Mooring for deployment
• Preparing the PIES (Pressure Inverted Echo Sounder) for deployment
Resulting data are used to compute the Atlantic Overturning Circulation (AOC).
• Ready to prepare a Glider for deployment
• Taking the Matlab programming course on board
