All Floats Deployed

Scripps technician Megan Roadman deploys 'Aquaty.'

Apologies for the time between posts, but it's been very busy onboard Roger Revelle! We deployed six more SOCCOM floats since my last post and did dozens of CTD casts. There won't be any more deployments on this trip, but we still have nearly a month left onboard and I will post more about life at sea during that time. 

There's also a science writer onboard who is posting blogs about the work going on and the quirks of life at sea, especially during a pandemic. Check that out here.

We've been experiencing good weather, with relatively calm seas. All ten of the SOCCOM floats were deployed successfully and have reported profiles of the water column.

There was about a week where we didn't see the sun though, and as someone who lives in Southern California, I missed it! I could tell my mood was off. The sun reemerged a day or two ago and it was so exciting. Though it's still quite chilly out.

Scripps technician Matt Durham deploys 'Lizzy.'

We also saw a humpback whale, which came very close to the ship and hung out for awhile. Someone pointed out later that it was hump day, halfway through our time at sea. A humpback whale on hump day! There have been a collection of birds - albatross, petrels, and prions - following the ship.

As we headed to our most southern point, 60 degrees South, the bridge saw a few icebergs on the radar. But we didn't see any in person due to the fog. The ship slowed down to make sure we transited safely.

Morale onboard is good, we are enjoying a life without masks and social distancing while we can. Everyone has friends and family back home that are doing their best to stay safe and healthy. It's hard to be away, but thankfully our internet speeds have been conducive to keeping in touch. 

Thanks for following along. I'll be sure to post more often!