Let the Coring Begin and The Vampires Come Out

The first core heads over the side.

Scientists wait with baited breath.

Muddy and sleep-deprived, a couple of Vampires (Sid and Ray) use their remaining energy to focus on cutting a core.

4 August

At about 2100 (9 PM), we arrived on our first site.  The "Sunshine Shift" started the sampling, but it was just a few hours until the "Vampires" had to report for watch.  Our first hiccup in operations arrived quickly when the Marine Tech, Tina, discovered that the CTD water-column profiling system decided to stop working.  These kind of challenges are the norm in oceanographic research and can be frustrating for all.  But, I've learned t is always better to have a an positive attitude when things don't work as you hope, and it's wise to have a backup plan.  Fortunately, our work is focused on collecting seabed samples, so this isn't a major issue.  Of course, Tina would work hard in the coming day to see if she could ressurrect the sytem.

The first two cores went relatively smoothly.  The Vampires trickled onto the deck at 2345, prepared to do some work...and ready to lose some sleep.  The first night of a night shift is always tough because there is no easy way to make the transition.  Most people tried to take a nap that afternoon, but that hour or two sleep is of little help the next morning when you still haven't really slept for 30 hours.  It was a busy night, and people kept awake by learning their watch responsibilities and getting stuff done.  By the morning, our faces and clothes were muddy, and our minds were numb. Everyone needed rest.  But, it was a successful, productive night.  As you can see from the lack of many pictures, our focus was on survival.

Safety and Science

Stephanie races to don a gumby suit.

The thrill of victory shines in Stephanie's face.

Dr. Kevin Xu from Coastal Carolina University talks science during a group meeting.

3 August

After a good taco lunch, the scientists turned their attention to Tina, the Marine Tech, who briefed us on safety and other matters, such as conserving water, limiting web use, and being a good shipmate.  Additionally, she showed a brief safety video which reviews emergency procedures, e.g., what to do in the event of a fire, man overboard or abandon ship.  It was very informative, and everyone played close attention which was good to see.  The fact is accidents happen, and everyone needs to be prepared when living aboard a ship.  Once completed we did an abandon ship drill, and Bobby, Chief Mate, reviewed additional important safety concerns and procedures.

We returned to the mess area (location where we eat and, in fact, the crew keeps it quite tidy!) to review the science plan and activities with the science party.   I (jp) explained how we are not only looking at the affects of recent flooding but aslo will examine changes in the sedimentary layers deposited by hurricanes Katrina, Rit and Ivan.  Everyone was very attentive and sounds eager to get to work.

Into the Great Blue Yonder

Leaving Gulfport, MS for the Mississippi River delta.

The pilot boat trails us out of the harbor.

Dr. Kevin Xu showing students the ropes.

3 August

After breakfast at 0730, we moved our vehicles to a designated parking lot.  Then, we were busy making sure the equipment was well tied down before we headed out into the open sea. Students took this opportunity to learn and practice some useful knots, e.g., the bowline and trucker's hitch.  Basic knot tying is a critical skill that every sea-going person must know.

We left the dock at about 0900 and started steaming to our study site, the Mississippi River delta, which is about 10 hours away (west). 

 
 

Final Preparations

The Principle Investigators for the research.

Chief Scientist Extraordinaire..."Where's the ship?"

August 2

Today, we set up our instruments and equipment for going to sea. Everytime a new group of scientists boards a research vessel, they need to arrange the lab in the most suitable way for their research. The process of loading equipment onto the ship, getting it unpacked, testing it out and securing it to its temporary home usually takes a day or so, depending on the operations and cruise length, location and ship. The Hatteras is a nicely sized vessel with a large deck and 3 lab spaces, so there are a lot of options for oceanographic work.

Automotive Hiking Across the Vast Southeast Coastal Plain

August 1
Oh beautiful for spacious skies... yes, there is a lot of sky and wooded areas between North Carolina and Gulfport, MS as well as a lot of fast food signs and highway. We just completed the long drive in record time (without speeding, of course). We got nervous a couple times, because we kept returning to Greenville.
We arrived at the RV Cape Hatteras about 9 PM after completing the 14 hour trek. After a good meal, we're ready for some rest and then to get to work loading the ship tomorrow.