18 June 2004

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 87

June 18, 2004 Friday
10:30 PM Alaska time

When we arrive on station, a schedule is put on a large white board in the main lab. It is affectionately called the "Board of Lies." The chief scientist uses labeled magnetic strips to set the sampling schedule of events on the board. However, it is not possible to predict everything that might happen during sampling. Sometimes a Niskin bottle on the CTD needs repair, a winch wire needs rewrapping or a piece of equipment does not trigger and must be sent down again. Predicted times can be early or late and/or the sampling order rearranged. Everyone must be ready to do sampling on time so it is important to read the board several times a day to stay informed on what is happening.

Typically, when there is ice, the ice group is deployed first. Then the water sampling begins with a service CTD cast. Depending on the station, plankton sampling can occur between different CTD casts or after the casts are completed. The length of time it takes for most sampling varies from station to station. The only sampling that has a set length of time is the in situpumps. Pumping lasts for four hours. After pumping, the benthic sampling can begin. The benthic sampling has to go last because it puts bottom sediment into the water column and extra sediment would contaminate the data for groups testing water.

The Board of Lies lists the schedule of the day and is the message board for the scientists.

Notice the difference between this picture and the one above. They are from the same station. Unexpected situations do happen in the field and adjustments must be made.

To see photographs taken by Steve Roberts of UCAR/JOSS, click here.