Posts Tagged ‘Global Station Papa 11’
Inside the Role of a Subsurface Mooring Lead
In the demanding field of oceanic exploration, a dedicated team of professionals from the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) conducted the 11th annual cruise to the Station Papa Array in the Gulf of Alaska aboard the R/V Sikuliaq. Central to this mission was James Kuo, a Subsurface Mooring Lead (SML) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), whose responsibilities were crucial to the voyage’s success.
Key Responsibilities
As the SML, James Kuo manages two flanking moorings and one hybrid profiler mooring. His primary responsibility is to ensure all instruments are fully operational before, during, and after deployment. This involves conducting thorough checks at each stage to confirm the equipment is in optimal condition for the year-long deployment. Occasionally, he must also address any issues that arise during deployment before leaving the array site, ensuring everything is functioning as intended.
During deployment, James primarily monitors engineering metrics, such as power consumption, to evaluate the health of the moorings. He also reviews scientific data—including pressure, temperature, and current velocities—to assess the moorings’ status and ensure that the instruments are positioned at the correct depths. This thorough approach provides a complete understanding of both instrument performance and the environmental conditions affecting the moorings.
When James and his team retrieve previously deployed moorings, they carefully inspect the instruments and analyze the data to identify any failures and determine their causes. Significant findings are annotated in the data stream to help scientists understand any anomalies during processing. Depending on the nature of a failure, these insights may lead to procedural changes or design modifications to improve future deployments.
Veteran of the Seas
James is well-versed in life at sea, having participated in approximately 28 cruises throughout his career. James is well-known for his ever-present smile while working to overcome daily challenges aboard the ship. Over his nine years at WHOI, he’s had the opportunity to explore diverse and exotic locations, including the Arctic, Norway, Italy, Chile, Uruguay, Iceland, Alaska, and various other domestic ports. Each expedition offers him a unique travel experience, venturing to places that are often beyond the reach of most travelers.
Career Development
James’s career in oceanography began in college as an intern at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he assisted with various tasks and mooring assemblies. After graduating from University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a degree in Structural Engineering, he joined Scripps full-time, focusing on mechanical design of moorings using CAD software.
During the first OOI Southern Ocean cruise in 2015, James collaborated with the WHOI team responsible for deploying the OOI Surface Mooring. A year later, WHOI recognized James’s expertise and offered him a position to continue his work with OOI. He focused on Subsurface Moorings, where he eventually became an expert in the field, mastering the intricacies of Subsurface Mooring platforms.
Future Aspirations
As the SML on the Papa expedition, James tackles a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, offering both significant challenges and rewarding opportunities. His journey from intern to Research Engineer reflects the dedication and expertise that have allowed him to excel in oceanographic research.
Looking forward, James sees significant growth opportunities at WHOI. He recently secured funding for a proposal to develop a mixed reality system for underwater ROVs, a project that is already underway. “The diverse projects and innovative opportunities offer the potential for a fulfilling and dynamic career,” said James.
[caption id="attachment_34599" align="alignnone" width="640"] James Kuo, Research Engineer[/caption]
Read More POGO Fellow Aditi Sharma Returns from Sea and Reflects on 17-Day Expedition
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) Fellow Aditi Sharma has returned from a 17-day expedition aboard the R/V Sikuliaq to recover and deploy OOI’s Global Station Papa in the Gulf of Alaska. A PhD candidate at the National Institute of Oceanography India, Aditi was chosen from over 80 applicants for a shipboard training fellowship sponsored by POGO, WHOI, OOI, and the Nippon Foundation.
Back on land, Aditi is reflecting on her time at sea and her goals for the future.
How did you benefit from the training?
The training has been immensely beneficial as it provided me with a chance to engage in work and learn from the experts in the field. The hands-on operations of winch, deployment procedures, data downloading, and calibration techniques have given me confidence in practical skills essential for the fieldwork. These experiences are particularly relevant as I now intend to apply them to my current project at my parent institute, which involves monitoring diverse environmental variables in the coastal Bay of Bengal using advanced meteorological sensors on a fixed mooring buoy. This training has helped in enhancing my capability to contribute meaningful insights to the project. In addition to the scientific aspects, the training has provided me with an understanding of the operational challenges during expeditions. It has highlighted the need for improvisation in adverse weather conditions and emphasized collaborative work approaches. Additionally, it has instilled in me a strong sense of time management that I aim to apply both in my career and in my personal life.
What are your future aspirations?
I am currently working towards my PhD at the National Institute of Oceanography. Upon completing my PhD, I aim to pursue postdoctoral studies and collaborate with fellow scientists in my specialized field. This journey represents a vast ocean of knowledge that I am eager to explore, with a strong desire to effectively share and discuss my insights with peers.
[caption id="attachment_34524" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Aditi Sharma aboard R/V Sikuliaq[/caption]
Read More POGO Fellow Reports on Shipboard Training
Aditi Sharma, a PhD candidate at the National Institute of Oceanography India, was selected from more than 80 applicants for a shipboard training fellowship sponsored by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), WHOI, OOI, and the Nippon Foundation. She was aboard the R/V Sikuliaq for a 17-day expedition to recovery and deploy OOI’s Global Station Papa in the Gulf of Alaska. Jim Edson, Principal Investigator for OOI’s Program Management Office, is also onboard as her advisor. In addition to fantail activities, Edson and she will be working on a project to compare near surface “sea-snake” temperature with an infrared radiometer measuring the sea-surface or skin temperature. This will provide hands-on experience at sea and enhance Aditi’s research experience as she works to complete her PhD when she returns to India. Over the course of the expedition, Aditi shared her experiences, which can be read at the link below.
JUNE 14, 2024 Lots to Report!
Sunrise Surprise
Sunrise has become a rare sight after spending ten days onboard in the Gulf of Alaska.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Sunrise view from the bedside window. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]Tangled Glass Balls
We began retrieving the mooring from the Global Papa 10 Array deployed last year. The most captivating aspect of the operation for me was dealing with the glass balls. These glass balls are often tangled, presenting a fascinating challenge to untangle them, which I found incredibly enjoyable and fun.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Retrieval of Acoustic Release accompanied by entangled glass balls. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Entangled glass balls on deck, awaiting detangling.Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Jim Edson lending a hand in deciphering the tangled puzzle of glass balls.Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]Teamwork on Deck
Following the retrieval of the Global Papa array moorings, the team commenced operations to recover the University of Washington wave rider mooring.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5-1-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Team members assisting in tagging the ropes during the retrieval of the waverider mooring. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Recovery of the spheres from the waverider mooring.Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Mooring covered in biofouling by goose neck barnacles and “sea-slime”. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]Ocean Wizards or Inflatable Tube-man
The rope connected to the mooring was covered with organisms, creating a mesmerizing, almost wizard-like appearance. Dr. Jim Edson compared these organisms to inflatable tube-man at used-car lots, a comparison I found amusing and wholeheartedly agreed with.
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/v1-1.mp4"][/video]The mooring rope bio-colonized by organisms.
Winch Adventure
Deck Operation Lead Jim Ryder offered me the opportunity to learn how to operate the winch, which I found exhilarating despite the cold weather. Fueled with happiness, my hands worked efficiently as I operated the winch barehanded. Despite his offers for a break, I was too excited to pause, deeply grateful to the team for their guidance and teachings during my learning experience.
[video width="720" height="1280" mp4="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/v2.mp4"][/video]Winch operation following instructions from Deck Operations Lead Jim Ryder.
CTD operations
In addition to deploying moorings and gliders, we performed CTD casts near the deployment locations to gather samples at specific depths using a 24-bottle rosette of Niskin samplers. The samples were collected for analysis of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), nutrients and conductivity by salt analysis. Apart from sensors for conductivity, temperature, and depth, CTD was equipped with additional sensors for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll fluorometer, transmissometer, and PAR.
DIC samples were treated with mercuric chloride for preservation prior to storage. Nutrient samples underwent filtration before being stored in the deep freezer, while Dissolved Oxygen samples were analyzed onboard.
[video width="720" height="1280" mp4="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/v3.mp4"][/video]Sample collection using 24-bottle rosette of Niskin samplers via the wet wall.
Spooky dangling figure
As I was doing my laundry after a day’s work, my attention was drawn to the mannequin dressed in safety gear. Ironically, for a moment I didn’t feel safe at all since it actually freaked me out. Well, for a little while.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8-scaled.jpg" link="#"]Safety gear attired mannequin. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]Spectacular Sunset
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/9-scaled.jpg" link="#"]The stunning sunset painted the sky, as a masterpiece on a canvas.Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]JUNE 11, 2024 The Giant Hairy Bearded Man
Recovery operations were set to begin once the deployment operations were successfully completed and the decks cleared. A little time was also allotted between the deployment of new and recovery of the old to provide overlapping data to intercalibrate the moored instruments. The recovery operations brought back the old moorings that had been deployed a year ago. Covered with a dense growth of organisms and encrusted with biofouling, with many goose barnacles, the old moorings took on an almost anthropomorphic appearance, resembling a “Giant Hairy Bearded Man.”
Recovering the Synactic sphere while Jim Edson handles the tag lines helping to stabilize the sphere.
[video width="720" height="1280" mp4="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/v1.mp4"][/video] [gallery ids="34111,34112,34113,34110,34114,34115,34116,34117"]With the weather not on our side, we’ve adjusted our plans to make the most of the sunset’s glow. Working into the evening doesn’t feel exhausting with the late sunset, enabling us to make up for lost time during the storm. With the improvised plans, the team has successfully completed tasks up to date. As we move forward, our sights are set on recovering another mooring and glider.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on our upcoming adventures!
JUNE 1-7, 2024 A Week at Sea: A Journey of Science and Collaboration
Last week we commenced our oceanographic journey, for the deployment of mooring instruments and the acquisition of invaluable data. Below is a firsthand account of our week-long expedition:
Sea-snake (Thermistor) Setup and Calibration
Our endeavors started by setting up and calibrating the equipment, ensuring readiness for deployment. Sea-snake thermistors were checked and calibrated, ensuring accuracy for subsequent data collection.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sea-snake.jpg" link="#"]Jim Edson helping in setting up the sea-snake boom, aimed at collecting near-surface sea temperature data.[/media-caption]Mooring Deployments
Given the constraints inherent to research vessels, such as cost and limited operational days, relying solely on these vessels for oceanographic data is impractical. Consequently, instruments are deployed into the sea for extended periods, facilitating the collection of data that would otherwise be challenging to obtain, especially during prolonged and stormy weather conditions. These moorings endure harsh marine environments for up to a year or more, continuously collecting and storing vital data.
The process of mooring deployment started with the attachment of instruments to the cable at designated depths, accompanied by the marking of the rope for subsequent attachment of larger instruments. The sequence began with the deployment of the syntactic sphere, followed by the attachment of additional instruments at predetermined intervals along the wire. Finally, the anchor was dropped, and the alignment and buoyancy of the instruments were ensured.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mooring-deployments.jpg" link="#"]The initial phase of mooring deployment, showing the 64” Syntactic sphere poised for deployment.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mooring-2.jpg" link="#"]James Ryder, Chris Newhall, and Keith Shadle affixing the Acoustic release float onto the line.[/media-caption] [media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mooring-3.jpg" link="#"]Chris Newhall and James Kuo affixing the temperature salinity sensors on the line.[/media-caption]Release of anchor from the deck is captured in the video below.
[video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/anchor-deployment.mp4"][/video]
Glider deployment
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glider-deployment.jpg" link="#"]Jessica Kozik, the glider operations lead, attaching wings to the glider that enables it to advance underwater.[/media-caption]Deployments and Challenges
While our mooring deployment was successful, we faced a few challenges. One of these is to be constantly aware that our equipment needs to be tied down and secure on our moving vessel. For example, I noticed that a row of our wooden spools was becoming loose. Promptly detecting this hazard through back deck camera footage, I alerted Joe Talbert and Jim Edson, who swiftly secured the spool, preventing a potential hazard. I quickly learnt that vigilance and swift action are pivotal in preserving the safety of our team and integrity of our equipment.
Cruising and Celebrating
With all the deployment works, we managed to celebrate two birthdays, including mine, with a delectable cake, infusing this journey with a sprinkle of joy.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cake.jpg" link="#"]Birthday celebrations with a delicious cake prepared by our talented cook, Evan Dunaway and chief steward, Alanna Trillingham.[/media-caption]Weathering the Storm
A swiftly escalating storm necessitated a diversion to safer waters. Nonetheless, we seized the opportunity to collect valuable data, conducting comparisons between sea-snake readings and temperature sensors to calibrate the IR temperature sensor, crucial for measuring sea surface temperatures.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Storm.jpg" link="#"]High-speed winds sweeping across the Gulf of Alaska, captured via the Windy software.[/media-caption]Chilly Weather and Hot Chocolate
Following successful mooring deployments and CTD casts, we find ourselves back on course. Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of hot chocolate and hearty meals fills even routine tasks with enjoyment. There’s much to observe and to learn from our team of experts.
Stay tuned for further updates.
MAY 29, 2024 From a Small Town to the Vast Ocean
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG20240526190853-2-scaled.jpg" link="#"]The R/V Sikuliaq, loaded and ready to head out to the Global Station Papa site, about 620 nautical miles from Seward. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]Born in a small Indian town, my journey with the ocean began unexpectedly. Joining the National Institute of Oceanography for an internship, I immersed myself in ocean science under the guidance of Dr. Sarma. His mentorship fueled my passion, leading me to embark on a PhD journey. It was during my first cruise that the ocean’s enchantment took hold of me. As in the words of Jacques-Yves Cousteau: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
When the opportunity arose to participate in shipboard training in the Gulf of Alaska, I seized it eagerly. The journey from India to Boston was quite long, but the warmth of welcome from Dr. Edson and his family made every mile worth it. Exploring the operational side of oceanography at Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution alongside Dr. Edson and Dr. Carol Anne Clayson was fascinating. And as we journeyed from Boston to Anchorage, Alaska’s landscapes left me awestruck.
Now, aboard the RV Sikuliaq, our mission begins. Setting up the thermistor to start collecting sea surface temperature, we are navigating toward our deployment site. I still pinch myself to believe I’m living my dream. Talking about dreams, the endless daylight here makes sleep tricky, but the sight of the Alaskan mountains and the ocean under the midnight sun is worth watching. I am excited to enjoy this voyage while gaining invaluable knowledge from the experts in the field.
[media-caption path="https://oceanobservatories.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_20240527_083151-scaled.jpg" link="#"]A view of the Kenai mountains from the deck of the R/V Sikuliaq. Credit: Aditi Sharma, NIO.[/media-caption]
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