An Adventure a Day...: Virtual Tour

So today we began the routine that we will continue for the rest of the cruise. It begins with waking up at 3:30 a.m. and then helping to deploy the rosette into the water. We have to wait about an hour until it comes back to the surface. While we are waiting, each of us prepares for our specific projects. Once the rosette is back on the deck, we gather around to collect our samples, and then get to work.

Each project takes a different amount of time. My specific project uses a filter to separate phytoplankton based on size. 24 hours later, I use a fluorometer to measure how much chlorophyll is in each sample. This gives me an indication about how many Prochlorococcus are found at each depth. It is a very interesting experiment but it takes a lot of time. The hardest part is trying to pick up the thin sheets of filter paper with a set of forceps while the ship is pitching and reeling. I guess that’s just something I’ll have to get used to.

There is a gym on board with an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, some free weights, and a pull-down bar. Trying to use the elliptical while the boat is rocking and reeling is really difficult. At least I get an ab workout while also exercising my legs!

I figured that now would be a good time to give you a virtual tour of the ship. Normally, I would take a video, but the Internet is not very strong and thus, pictures will have to suffice.