Journals 2005/2006

Denis Costello
North High School, Torrance, California

"The Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms" R/V Atlantis July 6 - 26

Journal Index: July 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13       14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20       21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27

July 13, 2005
Pick Up at Neah Bay

We made our way to make a stop in Neah Bay, Washington. We had to make a stop to pick up supplies that were not delivered before our departure. Most of the supplies were for Julian Herndon's (SFSU) Lachat nutrient analyzer. Quantitative analysis of samples taken by the CTD can reveal the amount of inorganic nutrients at various depths. Since I am responsible for collecting the samples, I will store them in a freezer until the Lachat is ready.

The Lachat analyzer works with a Windows based computer program. After Julian logs the samples in his logbook, he will place them into the sampling grid and then type into his computer the position of each sample. The analyzer then takes care of the rest of the work. Once all of the samples are logged into his computer, he'll start the program and the instrument will do all the work. Although that may seem easy, it takes a lot of time for Julian's to prepare the analyzer. First, he will need to make reagents for the analyzer. These chemicals are used by the Lachat to conduct the chemistry needed to determine quantity of nutrients in each sample. Some of the nutrients that will be measured are nitrates, nitrites, and silicates. Julian and Dr. Cochlan will also take measure the amount of urea, ammonia and ammonium in water samples. After the reagents are made, Julian and Maureen will make a standard curve, from which all the samples will be compared against. The data can then be shared with all the other parties onboard.

A new light for the EH3 mooring was also brought on board. It was determined that the light on this mooring was out and needed to be replaced. The plan is to replace this light on the day of our crew exchange on July 16th.

Neah Bay, Washington. A small watercraft was deployed here to retrieve reagents needed to analyze nutrients in our samples. We would later return here to make a crew exchange on July 16th.

After our stop at Neah Bay, we continued with our survey plan with CTD casts 50-62 (until the early morning of July 14th). My day consisted of taking samples from the CTD and reading samples with the fluorometer. In my spare time in-between stations, I manage to take photos of others working. The photo below is of Shelly Nance playing while working. As it turned out, Shelly was only trying out a fishing rod when she caught this fish.

In-between CTD casts, Shelly Nance managed to catch a nice sized tuna. She was generous enough to share her prize with us in the form of sushi later that night.

I later worked on my journal and organize my photos and video. After doing that, I played some ping-pong against Eric Roy, only to lose in a close match. I lick my wounds and call it a day.