3 October 2016 PolarConnect Highlights

Science Update

The science plan for the day has been temporarily placed on hold due to thick ice. As we exited the Bismark Strait, we experienced thicker ice than expected. The original plan was to deploy a trace metal CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. cast at 0700. The plan then shifted to after lunch. We currently have an open ended plan. Whenever we can get to the station and create a large enough hole in the ice, we will deploy the CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth.. The RVIB Palmer's ice breaking capabilities are definitely required today. The ice is so thick that the seals are finding lots of places to rest. Crabeater seals are in large groups all around the vessel. Watch this video to see the RVIB Palmer cutting through the thick ice in the area. A special thanks to Lucas Buckingham and Connie Merigo for the GoPro equipment!

PolarConnect Highlights

Dr. Bethany Jenkins (URI) and I just finished our PolarConnect Event. It was wonderful to get a chance to share my experience with so many participants. My favorite part was the question and answer period! Thank you to everyone for the great questions! The science team surprised me with ice cream and brownies after the event. What a great group of people to work with!