Deployment Day!
Three days ago, we left the bad weather behind us, and I got to decorate the adopted BGC floats. Three of the other scientists, José, Ion, and Maria went out to the back deck with me and we all started decorating the Midland ISD, Robert Down Elementary School, and Downingtown East High School floats. We didn’t have quite enough time to get to the other three before dinner started, so those will be decorated when we all have another free block of time.
Ion and José decorating the Trident Seekers Float; Photo by Paige McKay
Life aboard a research vessel is quite a unique experience. I really enjoy the sense of community built as we all experience this together. My favorite part of each day is mealtime, not only because the food is very good, but because everyone talks and laughs with each other no matter what their position is. It has also been interesting to try foods out of my typical routine, and comfort zone, while listening to everyone discuss which meal is their favorite from home. But, each meal and all of the food really has been amazing.
With the consistent weather, we have also completed quite a few CTD casts. I have enjoyed the watch shifts spent listening to music and talking as the CTD goes down to over 4000 meters. The most interesting part of each shift has been watching as scientists, all with different scientific objectives, collaborate to find water collection depths that fill all of their needs. The CTD’s journey to 4000 meters and back takes a long time and my watch-mates recently suggested using Spanish lessons as a way to pass our time. Hopefully those will be beginning shortly so I can end the cruise with more Spanish skills than the limited ones I started with.
The Computer Lab onboard the R/V Hesperides; Photo by Paige McKay
My first float deployment was for Otter Odyssey, the float adopted by Robert Down Elementary School. The deployment went smoothly as I directed the crew on the procedures, and we gently lowered the float into the water. After a year of working with floats it was a really amazing moment to actually see one be deployed and start its years of data collection. I got word back today that the first profile looks great, which was so relieving to hear. Today we also deployed a WHOI core float which, although there were some issues with the water release mechanism, got deployed safely. I am waiting eagerly to hear that that float is profiling and collecting data as well.
Decorated Otter Odyssey Float; Photo by Paige McKay
Helping with the WHOI Solo deployment; Photo by Daniel Santan Toscano
About the Author—Paige McKay is a sophomore at University of Washington School of Oceanography and works in the UW Argo Float Lab.