The first 48 drifters were released in a S shaped pattern during the QUICCHE campaign.
Hi everyone! My name is Paloma Cartwright and I’m a PhD student at the University of Miami and member of the Beal Lab. This is my very first research cruise and I’m stoked to be part of this awesome group of scientists taking a slice of the ocean!
The Beal Lab has two main projects on board, the moorings, and the drifters. The moorings will be deployed to the bottom of the ocean floor and remain there for a year collecting data before they are recovered on a different cruise. They were supposed to be deployed first but we had a delay with the arrival of the winch, so the science team has been constantly regrouping so that we can continue to accomplish the goals of the cruise while we wait. With so many cool instruments on board, there is still so much going on.
We successfully deployed our first drifter array, releasing 48 in an S shaped pattern. These instruments float at the surface with an attachment just under the surface of the water allowing them to follow the currents. They have GPS trackers that we use to see the paths they take, painting a picture of the ocean currents.
Yesterday, March 8th was International Women’s Day and I will leave you with this picture of the women in our science team. With 9 countries represented here, it has been such an honor to be part of this diverse group of amazing women making this cruise possible! #QUICCHE