26 November 2011 Halfway Home!

Journal

Today marks the halfway point in this voyage...22 days have passed and tomorrow begins the 22 days until I arrive back at home in Ohio. It is going fast. I can't believe we are halfway home!

It is also time to begin to process samples for their shipment back to the University of Rhode Island and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I helped Donna prepare some samples for shipment. Many of the net tows are preserved in quart sized jars using Formalin, a scientific preservative. After ten days of the animals being in the Formalin, the pH must be checked. If the pH level is too acidic, more buffer needs to be added to the jar.

I used pH indicator strips to check the pH level of the jars of preserved animals. Green is the indicator color for neutral. Donna used electrical tape to secure the lid for shipment. After the pH was checked and lids taped, we packed for shipment.

Checking the pH of the samples - Green is neutral

Yesterday, we began working the Point Lay line. From the map server image, you can see the rectangular shaped transit lines we made to the East.

Map showing the location of the Healy on the Point Lay (PL) line

Each station has a VPR (Video PlanktonPlankton are small or microscopic organisms that float or drift in fresh or salt water, especially at or near the surface, and serve as food for fish and other larger organisms. Recorder) tow and a CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. cast. About every other station has net tows.

Dr. Campbell and Kristina deploying the Bongo Nets

Ms. Rose with the Video Plankton Recorder (VPR)

Last night brought some Morale excitement to the crew...Casino Night! The Mess Deck was transformed into a Casino. Fun snack foods like corn dogs, french fries and chicken nuggets were served. The Crew and Science team got the opportunity to play roulette, Black Jack and Poker. I am not a very good player, but it was fun change of pace!

Meet another member of our Science Team, Erik the Red. Erik is a Marine Technician who has a very interesting background. Erik dropped out of High School twice, then received his GED and HS diploma. He spent 5 years in the US Navy, then attended three community colleges and two four year colleges and finally earned his BS in GeologyThe science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing. with a minor in mathematics. The most enjoyable part of his job is the adventure aspect of being out on the ocean and going places that people don't often see.

When asked what advice he would give someone who may be interested in his career field, he said be well rounded, know a little bit about a lot, be enthusiastic, like working with your hands, don't get easily seasick! Erik got his break into as a marine technician by participating in a MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) Center internship that focuses on marine technical fields.

We are back in young ice...if you look closely, you can the smaller ice pieces that have frozen together to make an ice sheet.