NOAA Teacher at Sea
Ruth S. Meadows
Onboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
June 12 – July 18, 2009
Mission: Census of Marine Life (MAR-Eco)
Geographical Area: Mid- Atlantic Ridge; Charlie- Gibbs Fracture Zone
Date: June 13, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Temperature 11.1o C
Humidity 96%
Wind 12.99 kts
Science and Technology
We have just left the continental shelf off the coast of North America. The depth of the water changed quite dramatically, from around 89 meters in depth to over 1600 meters in only a few minutes of time. The current depth of the ocean is now 2600 meters.
Every week, a safety drill is held to make sure everyone knows how to protect themselves and others during an emergency. Today was a fire drill and an abandon ship drill. Everyone was required to take their survival suits and life preserver to their assigned life boat positions. Then we had to put on our suits to make sure we knew how in case of an emergency. The survival suits are necessary because we are in the North Atlantic where the water temperature is currently 13o C. .
Personal Log
As we travel to our location, we have a lot of free time to visit and get to know our fellow participants. Several of the people on board are students that are currently working on their PhD from various universities in the United States and abroad. Most of the scientists have been on many cruises similar to this one to learn as much as they can about their specialty. The weather has been really foggy both days so it has been difficult to see anything from a distance. This morning we had some common dolphins that were in the front of the boat. After a few minutes, more dolphins joined them from both side of the boat. They traveled with us for about 15 minutes and then went on their way. I’m standing on the top deck of the ship.
Did You Know?
NOAA has a web page with information especially for students? Learn more here. There are activities for elementary and middle/high school students. Try one while you on summer vacation!!
