Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton
When
I first set foot on the old Royal Research Ship Discovery in 1979 in
Cape Town I had little idea that in 2015 I would be on the Discovery
once again but now on the most recent version of the vessel to carry
this famous name.
I
am interested in the chemistry of the ocean and how chemical processes
affect the biology and other parts of the marine system. This aspect
of oceanography is important in terms of understanding how the sea
works and can be impacted by climate change.
On
this trip we are studying where the essential nutrient iron comes from
on the shelf and how it may move away into the open ocean. In some
areas the element is at such low concentrations that it limits plant
growth and thus impacts ecosystems, so it is important to know where it
comes from, and one potentially important source are the edges of shelf
seas.
 |
| Launching a glider from Discovery. Gliders move up and down through the water by altering their density and “glide” on their wings from one location to another in the upper ocean, whilst collecting data that is sent by satellite to shore when it is at the surface. This new model has a small propeller to help it occasionally overcome strong currents. |
Whilst frequently demanding with
long working hours I always enjoy the times at sea with the wide range of
people on board, the constant challenges to be dealt with and the buzz when a
long planned experiment finally works out. Whilst new techniques such as
satellites and gliders are developing rapidly, ships are still essential tools
in the study of the oceans. Discovery is a world-class research platform for UK
marine science that will support our new generation of oceanographers into the
future.
No comments :
Post a Comment