Author: Jacquelyn Hams

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Jacquelyn Hams: 3 December 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: December 3, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 0930
Wind Direction: 232.10
Wind Speed (m/s): 3.4
Air Temperature (C): 27.7
Relative Humidity: 77%
Dew Point: (C): 23.7
Precipitation (mm): 42.2

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation (microeinsteins): 1942.5

Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 409.3
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 373.1

Surface Water Temperature (C): 28.70
Sound Velocity: 1541.5
Salinity (ppm): 33.7
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 0.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 2.4
Water Depth (m): 4422

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 0.5
Wave Period (s): 7.4
Wavelength (m): 86
Wave Direction: 1140

Science and Technology Log

Surface Fluxes Group

The Surface Fluxes group consists of James Edson, University of Connecticut, Ludovic Bariteau, University of Colorado Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), and June Marion, Oregon State University. This group measures the amount of radiation and heat into and out of the ocean and was covered in the November 12, 2011 blog posting.

The purpose of this posting is to highlight the work of Ludovic Bariteau who is measuring the carbon dioxide flux between the atmosphere and ocean. For redundancy and testing, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is measured with several infrared instruments pictured below. Two of the instruments are in the pilot stage and were developed for this research cruise. The equipment used for measuring carbon dioxide in seawater is done in collaboration with Wade McGillis from Lamont-Doherty-Earth Observatory (LDEO). Ludovic plans to refine the instrumentation based on the pilot test. The carbon dioxide data will be correlated with surface flux data to present a complete picture of ocean atmosphere fluxes.

Photograph of flux instruments.
Photograph of flux instruments on the mast. The instruments measuring air CO2 are indicated by the black arrows. Image credit: James Edson.
Ludovic Bariteau in front of instrument to measure carbon dioxide fluxes.
Ludovic Bariteau in front of the specialized instrument to measure carbon dioxide fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere.
Closeup of carbon dioxide flux instrument.
The above photograph is a close-up of the apparatus used to measure the carbon dioxide content in the ocean water.
Ludovic Bariteau pointing to CO2 measurement device.
Photograph of Ludovic Bariteau pointing to one of the air CO2 measurement devices in the pilot stage.

        

Data printout of Carbon dioxide values of air and water measured from instrumentation aboard the Revelle provided courtesy of Ludovic Bariteau
Data printout of Carbon dioxide values of air and water measured from instrumentation aboard the Revelle provided courtesy of Ludovic Bariteau

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What about the MJO?

Previous postings described the work being done by the 7 science groups and the instrumentation being used to measure the various characteristics of the ocean-atmosphere interaction that may be part of the active phase of the MJO. Readers of this blog may be asking the same question that some of my students are now asking, “Did you experience the MJO?”

Data collected to date by the science groups suggests that we experienced an active MJO phase. Although It will take years to analyze and correlate the data collected from the various organizations involved in Project DYNAMO, the Revelle experienced high winds, colder surface water surface temperatures, and the intermittent storms separated by quiescent periods that are believed to accompany the active phase of the MJO. Based on initial data this active phase may have occurred between the approximate dates of Nov. 24 through Dec.2.

Wyrtki Jet Current

Before discussing the effects of the MJO on Indian Ocean circulation, it is useful to provide a brief background on the currents in the Indian Ocean which are more complicated than those in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in several ways:

  • Indian Ocean currents are poorly defined
  • They are influenced by the presence of the Eurasian continent
  • They are more variable than the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean currents. Some Indian Ocean currents vary with the seasons. For example, on the top diagram below, notice there are two unnamed gyres located in the northern hemisphere west and east of India.

Diagram of Indian Ocean Currents

The Revelle left station on December 2, and began north south transects across the equator to delineate the extent and the speed of the Wyrtki Jet Current. The Wyrtki Jet is a narrow jet-like surface current that flows eastward during the transition periods between the Northeast and Southwest Monsoon currents and is believed to accompany the active phase of the MJO.

A summary of the monsoon system in the Indian Ocean taken from the pdf version of Regional Oceanography: An Introduction by Tomczak and Godfrey. The Wyrtki Jet may be the Equatorial Jet identified on the below diagram.

Wyrtki jet speeds of 150 cm/s eastward at the surface were identified during the cruise.  In addition a current flowing westward was identified at a depth of 100 m. The purpose of the transects is to delineate the lateral and vertical extents of these currents.  The currents are measured using four Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCPs) located in the hull of the ship (these are Doppler sonars, analogous to Doppler radar and lidar measurements discussed in previous blogs).

Personal Log

I worked the winch for the last drop of Chameleon on Leg 3 of Project DYNAMO aboard the R/V Revelle.  I must say that I am proud of my work as a “Winch Winder”.  In the past 5 weeks, I experienced a range of emotions regarding the winch.  I initially felt fearful of working solo on such a valuable instrument. Once I began working solo, I was still intimidated because the winds and currents are so variable at the equator. Intimidation was finally replaced by competence after operating the instrument in 40 knot winds without slamming it into the ship! Aurelie Moulin was kind enough to shoot this video of me just before Chameleon was pulled out of the water on the last drop.

I would like to share my interview with Jude Irza, Ordinary Seaman aboard the R/V Revelle who provides extremely thoughtful advice and insight regarding career choices and preparation that may be helpful not only for students unsure of their future, but for those who may desire a career change at any stage in life.

Photograph of Jude Irza

Question: What made you decide on a career in this field?

 That question is straight forward enough but my answer is a little bit convoluted.  I never woke up one day and decided that I wanted to become a Merchant Marine and work on Oceanographic Ships.  In fact, I have been fortunate to have had two careers before this one:  Naval Officer and Finance Manager.  Here’s how I embarked on my first two careers.

 First, I attended college on a Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship.  After college, I went to Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, and flew as a navigator in the United States Navy.  While in the Navy, I decided to expand my horizons and earn a Masters in Business Administration. While completing my MBA, I decided that a career in finance would be challenging and rewarding.  So I resigned my commission and I worked at a large telecom company in San Diego.  Later, I had the opportunity to join a telecom start-up and later a consulting company.   Although I enjoyed working in finance for fifteen years, I was ready to do something exciting and different.  I had always thought working as an Officer in the Merchant Marine would be fun. Expecting to be too old for this career, I was surprised and pleased when my research uncovered a new program where I could go to sea and work towards a Third Mate License through a two-year program offered by the Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) in Seattle, Washington.  So, approximately two years ago, I joined the program and was partnered with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.  I joined the R/V Revelle as an Ordinary Seaman.  Already, this is my fourth trip on the R/V Revelle and I am close to finishing PMI’s program.  I hope to take my Coast Guard License exams next summer and have my 1600 ton 3rd Mate License shortly thereafter.

 Question:  What are the positives and negatives of this line of work?

 The exact nature of the work depends on what billet or position one is filling and to an extent that determines the positives and negatives.  For example, an Ordinary Seaman like me spends most of the time cleaning, removing rust and painting.  Work is performed both inside and outside of the ship.  Mates, however, are Merchant Marine Officers, and spend most of their time standing watch, on the bridge of the ship.  Most, if not all, merchant mariners would agree that being able to travel and see the world are positives in this line of work.  The biggest negative is separation from family members for months at a time.  Typically, at Scripps, we are out to sea for eight months out of twelve.  Moreover, especially at the lower level positions, the work can be arduous and sometimes monotonous.

 Question:  What advice would you give students who are unsure of their career goals?

 I would give students five pieces of advice:

1. Get Information and Prerequisites – Get on the internet and research the careers in which you might be interested.  Learn about what qualifications and prerequisites are necessary for each career.  Try to find a person who is in that career and ask them good questions.  Be realistic, but also look for unconventional pathways.

 2. Inventory your Skills and Abilities – Try to determine what you enjoy doing and what you are good at.  Try and see what careers other people chose that have your talents and abilities.

 3. Get Real-World Experience – Try and experience careers directly without investing too much time and energy by taking a part-time, internship or volunteer position.  You’ll learn an enormous amount by working alongside other people.

 4.  Change your Career if you find that it is not Right for You – Some people, including myself, are not suited to only one career.  Don’t be afraid to try something new if you no longer find enjoyment in your current line of work.  But be financially responsible and try to not incur too much debt especially in your younger years.  You want to keep your options open and debt can limit options.

 5.  You are Never Too Old to Start Again – I am forty-five years old, but feel energized doing something new.  I don’t know if I will be in this career ten years from now, but I am certainly enjoying it now.

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Jacquelyn Hams: 25 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 25, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 0830
Wind Direction: 2340
Wind Speed (m/s): 9.6
Air Temperature (C): 25.5
Relative Humidity: 90.6%
Dew Point: (C): 24.3
Precipitation (mm): 41.3

Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 442.5
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 114.6

Surface Water Temperature (C): 29.60
Sound Velocity: 1544.9
Salinity (ppm): 35.3
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 0.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 2.5
Water Depth (m): 4637

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 2.1
Wave Period (s): 8.9
Wavelength (m): 123
Wave Direction: 2780

Science and Technology Log

NASA TOGA C-Band Doppler Radar Group

The TOGA (Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere) Radar Group consists of Michael Watson, NASA Contractor from Computer Science Corporation, Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia; Elizabeth Thompson, Colorado State University; and Owen Shieh of the University of Hawaii.

The following paragraphs provide a brief description of TOGA C-Band Doppler Radar.

Radar is an acronym for radio detection and ranging. Radar was developed just before World War II for military use but now serves a variety of purposes including weather forecasting. Radar is an electronic device which transmits an electromagnetic signal, receives back an echo from the target and determines various characteristics of the target from the received signal. Doppler radar adds the capability of measuring direction and speed of a target by measuring the Doppler Effect, or the component of the wind going either toward or away from the radar.

  • Doppler radar is divided into different categories or bands, according to the wavelength of the radar.  Some common Doppler bands are:
  •  S-band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and are useful for far range weather observation.
  •  C-band radars operate on a wavelength of 4-8 cm and are best suited for short-range weather observation.
  •  X-band radars operate on a wavelength of 2.5-4 cm and are useful for detecting tiny precipitation particles

The NASA TOGA C-Band radar has a range of 300 km. In addition to the TOGA C-band radar, the ship has both S and X band radar. These three systems allow large and small-scale forecasting capabilities.

When not deployed on field campaigns, TOGA radar resides at Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia, where it gathers meteorological data and supports launches.

The large dome in the center houses the NASA Doppler C-Band radar antennae. Image credit: Jacquelyn Hams
The large dome in the center houses the NASA Doppler C-Band radar antennae. Image credit: Jacquelyn Hams

During Leg 3 of Project DYNAMO, TOGA radar scans are performed in the following intervals:

Automated high-resolution scans for a 150 km radius every 10 minutes

  • Automated high-resolution scans for a 300 km radius at the top and bottom of the hour (every 59 and 29 minutes)
  • Vertical cross sections at 9,19,39 and 49 minutes past the hour.

 Below are examples of radar scan images of a single storm cell and rainfall provided courtesy of Owen Shieh.

The TOGA Radar image on the left is a horizontal image looking down on the rain. The ship is in the center. North is straight up toward the top of the image. The radar range is 150 km. The arrow indicates a single storm cell that is located 40 km from the ship. Towards the east (right side of the diagram) are large areas of light rain, indicated by white arrows. Radar image on the right is a vertical cross section through the storm cell (indicated by the black arrow). The top of the storm extends up to 5 km and contains moderate rain indicated by the yellow color.
The TOGA Radar image on the left is a horizontal image looking down on the rain. The ship is in the center. North is straight up toward the top of the image. The radar range is 150 km. The arrow indicates a single storm cell that is located 40 km from the ship. Towards the east (right side of the diagram) are large areas of light rain, indicated by white arrows. Radar image on the right is a vertical cross-section through the storm cell (indicated by the black arrow). The top of the storm extends up to 5 km and contains moderate rain indicated by the yellow color.
TOGA Radar image on the left is the same as above, except taken 10 minutes later. Notice that the storm cell (indicated by the black arrow) is closer to the ship, approximately 37 km away.
TOGA Radar image on the left is the same as above, except taken 10 minutes later. Notice that the storm cell (indicated by the black arrow) is closer to the ship, approximately 37 km away.
The TOGA radar image above is taken from a range of 300 km. These images are taken every 30 minutes. There are four areas of light to moderate rain surrounding the ship (indicated by white arrows). Notice the scale of the storm cell (indicated by black arrow) looks considerably smaller. The large scale TOGA Radar image allows a wider view of the aerial distribution of rain.
The TOGA radar image above is taken from a range of 300 km. These images are taken every 30 minutes. There are four areas of light to moderate rain surrounding the ship (indicated by white arrows). Notice the scale of the storm cell (indicated by black arrow) looks considerably smaller. The large-scale TOGA Radar image allows a wider view of the aerial distribution of rain.

Personal Log

The day after Thanksgiving, the Ocean Mixing Group decided to pull the T Chain out of the water after discovering a couple of damaged cables. The Chief Scientist ultimately decided to move the ship to another location on the other side of the buoy. It was extremely windy that day and the team was trying to perform this task in hard hats which constantly blew off in the wind. I am sure we looked extremely comical to those who were watching. In addition, we had to juggle large pieces of foam used to protect the T Chain which promptly blew away. There were at least seven of us and I thought we probably looked like a scene from a Marx Brothers movie.

We are experiencing squalls on almost a daily basis that are separated by quiet calm periods and occasional sunshine. Weather data indicates that we may be in the active phase of the MJO. I managed to get some interesting sunset photographs with the cloud formations.

These photographs were taken at sunset on the Indian Ocean between squalls. Image credits: Jacquelyn Hams
This photograph was taken at sunset on the Indian Ocean between squalls. Image credits: Jacquelyn Hams
This photograph was taken at sunset on the Indian Ocean between squalls. Image credits: Jacquelyn Hams

My students want to know how I am adapting to the lack of privacy. This is not my first time on a ship and I own a sailboat so being at sea is not an uncommon experience for me. However, being at sea this long with so much to accomplish in a short time has caused the lack of privacy to become a big issue for me. In addition to covering the 7 science groups for this blog, I am teaching the last 5 weeks of my classes via distance education and posting assignments for my students based on data obtained on this cruise.

There are little things on the ship that make the lack of privacy more tolerable. There are steak Sundays that include a tasty non-alcoholic ginger beer – a weekly treat. There is also Yoga everyday from 1:00 p.m.to 2:00 p.m. I brought one of my yoga DVDs from home as did others so we have a variety of programs and do not get bored. The standing poses are difficult on a moving ship, but I manage to get through it.

I am beginning to realize that I enjoy my time on the winch with Chameleon because that is the only time I am physically alone. I am thinking to myself how crazy and scary it is that my idea of spending quality alone time involves a noisy sampling instrument! But alas, even Chameleon cannot make up for the fact that I miss my own private bathroom.

One morning while waiting for the sunrise on the bow, I was treated to quite a show of jumping fish. The fish are tuna and are jumping to avoid predators. I have seen jumping fish many times while on the winch, but never so many and for such an extended period of time. They continued their performance until well after breakfast. I shot this video shortly after breakfast.

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Jacquelyn Hams: 24 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 24, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 0830
Wind Direction: 246.10
Wind Speed (m/s): 9.3
Air Temperature (C): 27.4
Relative Humidity: 86.1%
Dew Point: (C): 25.10
Precipitation (mm): 25.1

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) (microeinsteins): 177
Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 454.3
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 36.7

Surface Water Temperature (C): 300
Sound Velocity: 1545.9
Salinity (ppm): 35
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 0.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 2.6
Water Depth (m): 4637

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 2.2
Wave Period (s): 15.3
Wavelength (m): 290
Wave Direction: 29000

Science and Technology Log

Aerosols Group

 The Aerosols Group consists of Derek Coffman, Langley Dewitt and Kristen Schultz from the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Lab (PMEL) in Seattle, Washington. The Aerosols group measures the chemical, physical, and optical properties of sub and supermicron aerosols (liquids or solids suspended in gas) in the lowest layer of the troposphere. Aerosols are important in the study of climate change and the largest unknown due to the complicated nature of the particles. Aerosols are being studied in the MJO experiment to determine how they affect the radiative balance and how the MJO affects aerosols.

The measurements and analyses include:

  • real-time and filter-based analysis of the aerosol chemical composition
  • size distributions from 20 nm to 10 microns (aitken mode to course mode aerosols)
  • particle number concentrations
  • aerosol scattering and absorption
  • cloud condensation nuclei (CCN)
  • total mass of filtered collected aerosol
  • O3 and SO2 gas phase measurements.

Aerosols are captured via an opening in the inlet (mast). The base of the inlet consists of 21 individual sample lines. The inlet is designed to collect particles in average marine conditions without preferentially selecting particles and is efficient in collecting particles up to 10 microns in diameter.  Each sample line connects to a specific instrument for analysis. The captured aerosols are sampled for physical, chemical, and optical properties. . In general, for the ocean, particle sizes that are <1 micron are typically more anthropogenic, while particles >1 micron are sea salts and generated by wind and rain.

Aerosols are captured through the Inlet (mast).
Aerosols are captured through the Inlet (mast).
Base of aerosol inlet with sample lines.
Base of aerosol inlet with sample lines.

Impactors are attached to the sample lines to separate and collect aerosols. Each impactor has a filter to capture a particular particle size range. The filters are removed from the Impactors in a clean lab for analysis. Half of the samples collected are analyzed on the ship and the remaining samples are analyzed at the NOAA PMEL Lab in Seattle, WA. Analytical methods used on the ship to measure chemical species are ion chromatography, liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LCMS), total organic carbons (TOC), and organic carbon and elemental carbon (OCEC). The optical properties measured include scattering and absorption. Scattering is measured by an instrument called a nephelometer and absorption is measured by a Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP). The physical properties measured are total particle concentration and size distribution of the particles. Condensation particle counters (CPCs) measure the particle concentrations and size distribution is measured by a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer measures the size and chemical composition of non-refractory submicron aerosols.

Kristen removes impactor for sampling
Kristen removes impactor for sampling
Vacuum Pump closet houses vacuum and pressure needs for the aerosol vans.
Vacuum Pump closet houses vacuum and pressure needs for the aerosol vans.
Filters are removed from the impactor.
Filters are removed from the impactor.
Example of a clean filter (left) and sampled filter containing exhaust from the ship (right).
Example of a clean filter (left) and sampled filter containing exhaust from the ship (right).
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer captures and analyzes the chemical composition of aerosol particles in near real time (every 5 minutes).
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer captures and analyzes the chemical composition of aerosol particles in near real time (every 5 minutes).
Derek in the Aerosol van pictured with various instrumentation.
Derek in the Aerosol van pictured with various instrumentation.
The diagrams pictured above are based on a model prepared by Derek Coffman. The back trajectories on the left show that sub micron aerosols are dominant in the continental air mass and there is also more organic aerosol that is likely causing the absorption in the continental air mass. The clean marine diagram shows that sub micron aerosol is greatly reduced and aerosols >1 micron (coarse mode) play a dominant role in scattering in the air mass.
The diagrams pictured above are based on a model prepared by Derek Coffman. The back trajectories on the left show that sub micron aerosols are dominant in the continental air mass and there is also more organic aerosol that is likely causing the absorption in the continental air mass. The clean marine diagram shows that sub micron aerosol is greatly reduced and aerosols >1 micron (coarse mode) play a dominant role in scattering in the air mass.

Personal Log

Thanksgiving week proved to be the most interesting weather of the cruise. The winds picked up to 48 knots on Thanksgiving Day. This made for a real exciting time on the winch. During several drops (each time Chameleon is lowered in the water column), I had to hold on to the canopy with one hand, and the winch with the other so I would not fall over when the swells hit the stern of the ship.

I was surprised that Chief Scientist Jim Moum continued to work on his computer and did not run out to snatch me away from his valuable research instrument! If he had that much confidence in my ability to handle the situation, I had to prevail. Just as I was convincing myself I had to prevail, I heard the bridge call on the hand-held radio. I could not understand the communication and did not want to release the winch since it was difficult to control in the wind. Someone from the Ocean Mixing Group came out to tell me that the bridge called and could not control the ship direction and to take Chameleon out of the water. By this time Chameleon was trailing behind the ship and I could not see if it had gone under the ship. A bit of chaos ensued and I saw a boat hook out of the corner of my eye as crew prepared to get Chameleon out. Somewhere in the midst of the chaos, Jim Moum came on deck and decided that profiling could continue. By that time the ship had re-positioned, however, the wind speed was the same. Jim surveyed the situation and said that he had profiled in far worse weather conditions and went back to his work. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when my shift was over that night and Chameleon was not damaged.

Thanksgiving Day was another day of collecting data. The cooks prepared a Thanksgiving Dinner and I think I speak for all of the scientists when I say we appreciated the turkey and all the trimmings.

Scott, a Wiper in the Engineering Department asked me if I would like an interesting video of a crew job for the website. Scott is a polite crew member and has an interest in education. My first question was “What is the job description for a wiper?” I was told that a wiper is an unlicensed engine room staff member. According to Scott, he empties trash, cleans, and performs other projects as needed such as needle gunning (removing paint and rust from metal surfaces) natural air vent shafts as seen in the video below. I wasn’t prepared for the noise when I shot this video.

There are no gorgeous sunrise and sunset photographs to end this blog – we are probably in the beginning stages of the MJO. There is a tropical cyclone to our north and the outer bands were reaching the ship. We are experiencing squalls with high winds. It is unusual to have cyclones during the MJO event – they usually develop in the wake of the cycle according to the Atmospheric Soundings Group. I get dressed in rain boots and gear and run to the winch and run back inside when my shift is over. Although I am sure you would like to see a photo, it is not exactly a desirable Kodak moment for cameras. Stay tuned, the weather is bound to change.

For this post’s quiz, please answer in the comments of this post:

Using the Aerosol source diagram above, what particle size aerosols are dominant in
continental air masses and what particle size aerosols are dominant in clean marine air masses?

 

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Jacquelyn Hams: 14 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 14, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 1045
Wind Direction: 262.60
Wind Speed (m/s): 135.8
Air Temperature (C): 28
Relative Humidity: 79.7%
Dew Point: (C): 24.20
Precipitation (mm): 42.4

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) (microeinsteins): 1101.5
Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 410.3
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 192.5

Surface Water Temperature (C): 29.8
Sound Velocity: 1545.1
Salinity (ppm): 34.8
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 0.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 2.8
Water Depth (m): 4637

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 1.3
Wave Period (s): 13.2
Wavelength (m): 236
Wave Direction: 2800

Science and Technology Log

Ocean Mixing

All about CTDs

A CTD is a standard instrument used on ships to measure conductivity, temperature and depth. Three CTD systems are being used during Leg 3 of Project DYNAMO to measure CTD.

  • The Revelle deploys the ship’s CTD twice a day to a depth of 1,000 m. The CTD measurements can be viewed on a monitor in the computer room.
Ship's CTD
Ship's CTD
Ship's CTD in water
Ship's CTD in water
Ship's CTD data display
Ship's CTD data display
Data obtained from the ship's CTD
Data obtained from the ship's CTD
  • The Ocean Mixing group is using a specialized profiling instrument that was designed, constructed, and deployed by the microstructure group at the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University. The instrument, called “Chameleon”, measures CTD and turbulence. Chameleon takes continuous readings to a depth of 300 m as it is lowered through the water column. The top of the instrument has brushes to keep the instrument upright in the water and make it hydrodynamically stable so that very precise measurements of turbulence can be achieved. These measurements allow computations of mixing, hence the name Ocean Mixing Group. The instrument freely falls on a slack line to a depth of 300 m after which it is retrieved using a winch. The Chameleon has been taking continuous profiles at the rate of about 150/day since we have been on station and will continue taking measurements for the next 28 days.
Photograph of Chameleon
Photograph of Chameleon
Close-up of Chameleon's sensors
Close-up of Chameleon's sensors
Data obtained from the Chameleon
  • The T Chain CTD aboard the ship was also designed by the microstructure group at the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University. This instrument measures CTD in the near-surface (upper 10 m) using bow chain-mounted sensors (7 Seabird microcats + 8 fast thermistors). The T Chain takes data every 3 seconds, and although that is not very fast, the data is extremely accurate (within 1/1000th of a degree – 3/1,000th of a degree). The T Chain is mounted on the bow and has been taking measurements continuously since we have been on station. These measurements focus on the daytime heating of the sea surface and the freshwater pools created by the extreme rainfall we have been observing and which is associated with the MJO.
Photograph of T Chain
Photograph of T Chain
Data obtained from T Chain
Data obtained from T Chain

NOAA High Resolution Doppler LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) Group

A Brief Introduction to LIDAR

The following introduction to LIDAR systems was provided by Raul Alvarez.

In LIDAR, a pulse of laser light is transmitted through the atmosphere. As the pulse travels through the atmosphere and encounters various particles in its path, a small part of the light is scattered back toward the receiver which is located next to the transmitter. (You may have seen similar scattering off of dust particles in the air when sunlight or a laser pointer hits them.) The particles in the atmosphere include water droplets or ice crystals in clouds, dust, rain, snow, aircraft, or even the air molecules themselves. The amount of signal collected by the receiver will vary as the pulse moves through the atmosphere and is dependent on the distance to the particles and on the size, type, and number of particles present. By keeping track of the elapsed time from when the pulse was transmitted to when the scattered signal is detected, it is possible to determine the distance to the particles since we know the speed of the light.

Once we know the signal at each distance, it is now possible to determine the distribution of the particles in the atmosphere. By measuring how the light was affected by the particles and the atmosphere between the LIDAR and the particles, it is possible to determine things such as the particle velocity which can yield information about the winds, particle shape which can indicate whether a cloud is made up of water droplets or ice crystals, or the concentration of some atmospheric gases such as water vapor or ozone. The many kinds of LIDARs are used in many different types of atmospheric research including climate studies, weather monitoring and modeling, and pollution studies.

Typical lidar signal as a funciton of range
Typical lidar signal as a function of range
Photograph of Ann and Raul inside the LIDAR van.
Photograph of Ann and Raul inside the LIDAR van.
Raul explains the inner workings of LIDAR aboard the ship. From left to right: 1st photo shows Raul and the LIDAR system; 2nd and 3rd photos display the optical components of the LIDAR; 4th photo is the rotating scanner base.
Raul explains the inner workings of LIDAR aboard the ship. From left to right: 1st photo shows Raul and the LIDAR system; 2nd and 3rd photos display the optical components of the LIDAR; 4th photo is the rotating scanner base.
The four cone-shaped devices are differential GPS antennae used to correct for the motion of the boat.
The four cone-shaped devices are differential GPS antennae used to correct for the motion of the boat.

An integrated motion compensation system is used to stabilize the scanner to maintain pointing accuracy. As you can see from the video below, the scanner maintains its position relative to the horizon while the ship moves.

The slides below represent a Doppler LIDAR data sample from Leg 3 of the Revelle cruise. The images and slides were provided courtesy of Ann Weickmann.

Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image Credit: Ann Weickmann
Image Credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann
Image credit: Ann Weickmann

Personal Log

The R/V Revelle is not a NOAA ship. It is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography research fleet. A few crew members were kind enough to take time from busy schedules to talk with me about their careers. Students may find these interviews interesting especially if they are exploring career options.

The food aboard the Revelle is very good thanks to our cooks, Mark and Ahsha. They are very friendly crew members and always happy to accommodate the diverse eating schedules of scientists who have to work during meal hours.

Mark Smith, Senior Cook
Mark Smith, Senior Cook
Ahsha Staiger, Cook
Ahsha Staiger, Cook

Meanwhile back on the winch, I am beginning to get the hang of it. I will not say that I am comfortable, because I am always aware that I am in charge of a very expensive piece of equipment. I alternate between operating the winch, operating the computer, standby time (to assist as needed) and free time.

Jackie on the computer in the Hydro lab.
Jackie on the computer in the Hydro lab.
Dramatic cloud formation at sunrise.
Dramatic cloud formation at sunrise.
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Jacquelyn Hams: 13 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 13, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 810
Wind Direction: 262.400
Wind Speed (m/s): 2.7
Air Temperature (C): 28.1
Relative Humidity: 77.3%
Dew Point: (C): 23.7
Precipitation (mm): 40.2

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) (microeinsteins): 2092.5
Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 413.3
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 442.7

Surface Water Temperature (C): 29.50
Sound Velocity: 1544.8
Salinity (ppm): 35.2
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 69.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 3.2
Water Depth (m): 4637

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 0.7
Wave Period (s): 8.1
Wavelength (m): 103
Wave Direction: 2090

Science and Technology Log

Atmospheric Soundings

In addition to launching radiosondes, the Atmospheric Soundings Group operates a Wind Profiler to observe air mass density directly above the radar. Each beam sends back a return and more returns indicate humid or rainy conditions. The wind profiler operates twenty-four hours a day on the ship. The wind profiling is revolutionary for this cruise in that 8 profiles per day will be performed by three people who are dedicated to this experiment.  This detail will allow the scientists to see small scale variations in the atmosphere that have not been seen in the past with fewer profiles.

Wind Profiler displays light winds and little air movement (left). Colors indicate high intensity and fast air movement (right). The image on the right was captured during an episode of rainfall.
Wind Profiler displays light winds and little air movement (left). Colors indicate high intensity and fast air movement (right). The image on the right was captured during an episode of rainfall.

Ocean Optics

The Ocean Optics team is led by KG Fairbarn of the Earth Research Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara.  KG does three optics casts a day using a Microprofiler.  The data can be viewed on the computer in real time as the instrument is lowered through the water column to a depth of 50 meters. The Microprofiler measures the irradiance within the visible light spectrum.

Irradiance is defined as the measure of solar radiation on a surface in watts/m2.The amount of irradiance absorbed within the water column is a function of chlorophyll and nutrients. The Microprofiler contains a flourometer to measure chlorophyll and KG obtains the nutrient content from water samples collected from the Revelle CTD.

In terms of Project DYNAMO, KG is measuring light that penetrates a layer of water and heat that penetrates the ocean. This information allows scientists to quantify the heat distribution through the water column and relate it to the flux (transfer or exchange of heat) at the surface and flux at the air-sea interface.

Revelle CTD with Niskin bottles attached for collecting water samples
Revelle CTD with Niskin bottles attached for collecting water samples

Personal Log

Life at Sea

What is it like to live aboard a ship that is operating 24/7? There are negatives and positives. It is busy and often noisy. Doors are always closing and opening and the maintenance is constant. Privacy is non-existent.  I often get up early and go on the bow to watch the sunrises and sunsets and to get some quiet time.  However, I don’t have much time to ponder the negatives of life at sea as I am very busy familiarizing myself with and reporting on all 7 science groups. I work a split watch with the Ocean Mixing Group between 1500 and 2100. In addition, I am creating, posting, and grading assignments for my classes at Los Angeles Valley College.

On a positive note, the science teams are interesting, happy with their work, and pleasant to work with. I share a room with another scientist where I have the top bunk. I share lab “office space” with the Atmospheric Soundings group, but float around the ship to the library and other spots for a change of scenery.  There is always something good to eat and every day there has been a fresh salad bar at lunch and dinner.  The cooks are really nice and try hard to please everyone on the ship which everyone knows is an impossible task.

 

I find a quiet space to take notes.
I find a quiet space to take notes.
Sometimes we get visitors on deck.
Sometimes we get visitors on deck.
Office lab mates Lou Verstraete, National Center for Atmospheric Research (left), and Jonathan Wynn Smith, Ph.D. student, Howard University (right).
Office lab mates Lou Verstraete, National Center for Atmospheric Research (left), and Jonathan Wynn Smith, Ph.D. student, Howard University (right).

I was surprised that non-plastic biodegradable materials are dumped at sea and there is a lot of it on a cruise that lasts this length of time. The plastic is burned on the ship in an incinerator. Also, the ship engines operate 24/7 to keep the ship in a fixed location (the term used for a fixed location is “on station”).

Inside the incinerator room.
Inside the incinerator room.
Entrance to the incinerator room.
Entrance to the incinerator room.

Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives on this cruise. My work with the Ocean Mixing Group is going very well and the other scientists are extremely helpful and often contribute to the development of lesson plans for the classes I am teaching from the ship. The positive attitudes of these researchers more than compensates for any negative parts of the cruise. And, as I mentioned in a previous posting, there are endless opportunities for interesting photographs.

Meteorologists would like this cloud formation.
Meteorologists would like this cloud formation. (Photo By Jackie Hams)
This photograph is actually a red moon at night.
This photograph is actually a red moon at night. (Photo By Jackie Hams)
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Jacquelyn Hams: 12 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 12, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 1045
Wind Direction: 2580
Wind Speed (m/s): 2.8
Air Temperature (C): 28
Relative Humidity: 67.6%
Dew Point: (C): 21.4
Precipitation (mm): 40.3

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) (microeinsteins): 2274.5
Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 429
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 659

Surface Water Temperature (C): 29.7
Sound Velocity: 1545.1
Salinity (ppm): 35.2
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 65.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 3.3
Water Depth (m): 4640

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 1.7
Wave Period (s): 12.8
Wavelength (m): 226
Wave Direction: 1950

Science and Technology Log

The Revelle is now on station and will remain in this location for approximately 28 days to conduct measurements of surface fluxes, wind profiles, C-band radar, atmospheric soundings, aerosols, sonar- based ocean profiling and profiling of ocean structure including turbulence.  Please note that the exact position and course of the ship will not be posted in this blog until Leg 3 has been completed and the ship is back in port in Phuket, Thailand. Although piracy is not anticipated at the station location, it has been a problem in other parts of the Indian Ocean and the policy is not to publicize the coordinates of the ship.

Surface Fluxes

The Surface Fluxes group measures the amount of radiation and heat into and out of the ocean. There are several dome instruments on the Revelle to measure atmospheric radiation, acoustic and propeller sensors to measure winds and a “sea snake” to measure the sea surface temperature. The term flux is defined as a transfer or exchange of heat. The sum of the terms in the equation below indicates how much radiation is in the ocean. If the sum >0, the ocean is warming.  If the sum is <0, the ocean is cooling. Below each term is a photograph of the ship-board instrument used to measure it.

Ocean Mixing

Today I deployed the Los Angeles Valley College drifting buoy. Before leaving Los Angeles, the students in my introductory Physical Geology and Oceanography classes signed NOAA stickers that I placed on the buoy before releasing it into the Indian Ocean.  A drifting buoy floats in the ocean water and is powered by batteries located in the dome. The drifting buoys last approximately 400 days unless they collide with land or the batteries fail. The buoy collects sea surface temperature and GPS data that are sent to a satellite and then to a land station where the data can be accessed. Drifting buoys are useful in tracking current direction and speed. Approximately 12 drifting buoys will be deployed from the Revelle during Leg 3 of the Project DYNAMO cruise.

Personal Log

Can you have pirates before a pirate drill?

After we arrived on station, a science meeting was held to provide instructions regarding safety and emergency procedures for mandatory drills such as fire safety, abandon ship, and pirate drills.  Drills are typically scheduled once a week and we have already assembled for a fire drill.  A pirate drill was scheduled for the following week.

I began my orientation working with the Oregon State University Ocean Mixing Group. My role on the research team is to assist with the operation of the “Chameleon”, a specially designed ocean profiling instrument that is continuously lowered and raised to the surface taking measurements while on station.  My job is to rotate between operating the winch (used to lower and raise the instrument) and the computer station. The computer station operator is in constant communication with the winch operator and tells the operator when to raise and lower Chameleon.  In addition, the computer operator logs the critical start and end times of each run and keeps track of the depth of the instrument.

Jackie operates the winch. My goal is to keep the instrument safe and have a perfect wind.
Jackie operates the winch. My goal is to keep the instrument safe and have a perfect wind.

I was just beginning to learn to operate the winch when an alarm sounded followed by the words “Go to your pirate stations, this is not a drill, repeat, this is not a drill”.  I must admit I was a bit stressed.  When I came on this trip, I knew there was a remote risk, but I thought it was extremely remote.  Everyone assembled in the designated area and it turns out that a fishing boat was approaching the ship and the Revelle does not take chances if the boat appears to be approaching boarding distance to the ship.  There have been two instances where we have assembled for safety following the alarm and the words “This is not a drill, repeat, this is not a drill.”  In both cases, fishing boats were too close for comfort.  As I began operating the winch, I watched a fishing boat off in the distance for a few days and became more comfortable knowing that the ship is taking extreme caution to protect all on board. All this excitement and before we even had a pirate drill!

Fishing boat spotted near the Revelle
Fishing boat spotted near the Revelle


But all is well somewhere out here on the equator and the Indian Ocean provides many opportunities for photographing amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Sunrise on the Indian Ocean
Sunrise on the Indian Ocean (photo by Jackie Hams)
Sunset on the Indian Ocean
Sunset on the Indian Ocean (Photo by Jackie Hams)
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Jacquelyn Hams: 7 November 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

Mission: Project DYNAMO
Geographical area of cruise: Leg 3, Eastern Indian Ocean
Date: November 7, 2011

Weather Data from the R/V Revelle Meteorological Stations

Time: 1100
Course on Ground
Wind Direction:   195.50
Wind Speed (m/s):   2.1
Air Temperature (C):  27.6
Relative Humidity:   81.7%
Dew Point: (C):   24.4
Precipitation (mm):   6.0

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) (microeinsteins): 517.4
Long Wave Radiation (w/m2): 405.3
Short Wave Radiation (w/m2): 60.5                                                                            

Surface Water Temperature (C): 28.7
Sound Velocity:  1540.6
Salinity (ppm): 32.45
Fluorometer (micrograms/l): 65.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l): 3.6

Wave Data from WAMOS Xband radar

Wave Height (m) 1.6
Wave Period (s): 18.4
Wavelength (m):  312
Wave Direction:   2650

Science and Technology Log

Background

Leg 3 of the Project DYNAMO research cruise began, on November 6, 2011 from Phuket, Thailand at approximately 1430. The DYNAMO Leg 3 research cruise consists of seven scientific groups conducting experiments in the following areas:

  • Surface Fluxes
  • Atmospheric Soundings
  • Aerosols
  • NOAA High Resolution Doppler LIDAR
  • TOGA Radar
  • Ocean Optics
  • Ocean Mixing

My primary role on this cruise is to work with the Ocean Mixing group led by Dr. Jim Moum from Oregon State University. The Ocean Mixing Group is responsible for sonar measurements of ocean current profiles, high frequency measurement of acoustic backscatter, turbulence/CTD profiling instruments and near surface CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) measurements. I will be working with other scientific groups as needed and have organized my Teacher at Sea blog to report on daily activities by science group.

Sampling Activities

We have been cruising for a couple of days to the sampling station in the eastern Indian Ocean and are still within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Thailand, India, and other countries.  Here is an interesting fact that I learned about the EEZ – it not only applies to resources, but also applies to data collection.  What this means to the R/V Revelle, is that the scientists cannot collect data until the ship clears the 200 nautical mile EEZ for the counties.  After clearing the EEZ, the science groups can begin data collection.

Atmospheric Soundings

Data collection began on the ship on November 8 and one of the first groups I observed was the Atmospheric Soundings group.  This group is responsible for launching radiosondes using helium balloons (weather balloons).  A radiosonde is an instrument that contains sensors to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. Although the balloons can hold up to 200 cubic feet of helium, on this cruise, each balloon is filled with 30-35 cubic feet of helium.   As the radiosonde ascends, it transmits data to the ship for up to 1 ½ hours before the weather balloon bursts and falls into the ocean.  The weather balloons have been reaching an average altitude of 16 km before bursting. Approximately 260 weather balloons will be launched during Leg 3 of the cruise.

The Radiosonde

Watch the video clip below to watch the deployment of a weather balloon.


Computer screen shot of radiosonde data. Temperature is red, relative humidity in blue, wind speed is in green and wind direction is purple.

Ocean Mixing

The Ocean Mixing group began the deployment of XBTs (Expendable bathythermographs) on November 10, 2011. XBTs are torpedo shaped instruments which are lowered through the ocean to obtain temperature data. The XBT is attached to a handheld instrument for launching by a copper wire. Electronic readings are sent to the ship as the XBT descends in the ocean. When the XBT reaches 1,000 meters, the copper line is broken and the XBT is released and falls to the bottom on the ocean.

 

First step in getting the XBT ready.
Here I am getting ready to launch the XBT.
Launching the XBT
Computer screen shot of thermocline (change in temperature with depth) obtained from XBT instrument. The green shaded curve displays the historical record for comparison.

 

Personal Log

I arrived in Phuket, Thailand on November 3, 2011 after a 19-hour plane ride.  After dinner and a good night’s sleep, I went to the ship to get acquainted with my new home for the next 6 weeks.  Select the link below for a tour of the R/V Revelle.

http://shipsked.ucsd.edu/ships/roger_revelle/.

Aboard the R/V Revelle in Phuket, Thailand

The Revelle sailed from Phuket on November 6.  As the ship sailed to station, I captured the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

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A beautiful day on the Indian Ocean.
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Jacquelyn Hams: Introduction 17 October 2011

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jackie Hams
Aboard R/V Roger Revelle
November 6 — December 10, 2011

My name is Jacquelyn (Jackie) Hams and I  am an Associate Professor and Chair of the Earth Science Department at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC).  LAVC is a two-year college within the Los Angeles Community College District which consists of 9 major campuses, several satellite locations, and over 120,000 students.

Photograph of TAS Jackie Hams
Teacher at Sea Jackie Hams with the St. Croix River in the background.
This photograph was taken in October 2011 during the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN.  The St. Croix River which flows between Minnesota and Wisconsin is in the background.  In just a few weeks my background photos will look significantly different as I embark on my NOAA Teacher at Sea experience in the Indian Ocean.

I am participating in an investigation of ocean-atmosphere interactions in the equatorial Indian Ocean involving meteorologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists from 13 countries called Project DYNAMO (Dynamics of the Madden-Julian Oscillation).   The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a 30-90 day tropical weather cycle that starts over the equatorial Indian Ocean and moves eastward into the western Pacific Ocean where it impacts other  global weather and climate patterns such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO),  Asian monsoons,  tropical storm development in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and Pineapple Express events.  Specialized instruments will be deployed and operated on ships, aircraft, and islands in the Southern Indian Ocean, Maldives Islands, Diego Garcia British Indian Ocean Territory, and the Eastern Indian Ocean to collect data and study the MJO at its source.

 I am a Teacher at Sea on Leg 3 of a research cruise aboard the R/V Roger Revelle in the eastern Indian Ocean which is scheduled from November 6 – December 10 beginning and ending in Phuket, Thailand.  My students are not just following my adventures via this blog – I will be teaching the last 5 weeks of my Oceanography and Physical Geology classes from the ship.  This Teacher at Sea experience is also about learning in real-time and will be a true test of Distance Education!
Photograph of the Research Vessel Roger Revelle
R/V Roger Revelle. Image credit: Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Here are some great general Project DYNAMO links to bookmark and follow Leg 3 of the cruise.

  • DYNAMO Home Page.  Select the DYNAMO Field Catalog menu on the left, then the Reports menu at the top of the page to view the latest report from the R/V Roger Revelle.  You can also view the latest satellite imagery in the Indian Ocean. http://www.eol.ucar.edu/projects/dynamo/

Please remember that I am a TEACHER at Sea and therefore, yes, there will be a quiz at the end of each of my posts.

To begin, test your knowledge of the geography of southeast Asia and see if you know exactly where Phuket Thailand is located.

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Jacquelyn Hams, August 10, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 10, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea, Jacquelyn Hams, and ENS Olivia Hauser on board NOAA ship RAINIER
NOAA Teacher at Sea, Jacquelyn Hams, and ENS Olivia Hauser on board NOAA ship RAINIER

Personal Log 

Our sail is coming to an end and I can truly say that I will take what I learned back to the classroom.  The navigation part of the Oceanography class I teach will be based on skills I learned from navigators aboard the RAINIER. My thanks go to ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER Navigation Officer who began answering questions and helping me the first day at sea.  I would also like to extend special thanks to ENS Nathan Eldridge, RAINIER Junior Officer, for his assistance in plotting courses and letting me use his personal navigation instruments. A note to my students: Do not attempt to contact these officers for assistance.  They are probably busy at sea again!

On this cruise, I gained knowledge from unsuspected sources which is always a sign of a good educational experience. Umeko Foster, a Cal Maritime Intern aboard the RAINIER, taught me to not just to use a sextant, but how to read the degrees and minutes properly! Matt Boles took the time to make sure that I had a portion of a chart that could be used in the classroom as a teaching tool. Matt’s video interview will be added to this website in the future.

A lot of people work hard to make sure the ship functions properly. The cooks, survey technicians, engineering crew, and deck crew knew my name and made me feel at home. Many of them have been interviewed and videotaped in my logs.  ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, allowed me to room with her for this leg of the cruise.  I can’t say enough good things about her personality and adaptability.  There is a good reason that she is Morale Officer aboard the RAINIER.

So here is my Top 10 List of things to know about the NOAA Ship RAINIER.

Number 10:  You can always find someone to eat ice cream with – even in the middle of the night.

Number 9:  If someone on the ship says he or she caught a fish “this big” believe them.  I have pictures.

Number 8:  You have to be a seasoned crewmember to understand what is being said over the ship’s PA system.

Number 7:  Mandatory drills seem to occur following afternoon breaks.  Afternoon breaks always include yummy treats prepared by the cooking staff.  Coincidence – I think not!

Number 6:  If your room is opposite the fan room, beware.  Someone checks it every hour and during the night it sounds like the door to your room is opening and closing and then you hear the footsteps walking down the hall.  It’s really creepy until you get used to it!

Number 5:  If the PA system goes off twice a day, and you hear a loud groan or grunt into the microphone, the Ship’s Store is open.

Number 4:  Never get instructions in tying knots from more than one person on the ship.

Number 3:  Always get to dinner early if you want pie or cake.

Number 2:  If you hear bells, are told to report to the fantail or get in a survey boat, grab a float coat. Almost everything you do on the RAINIER requires wearing a float coat.

Number 1:  This is the number one thing I learned aboard the RAINIER, about ships and ocean voyages in general, that will stay with me forever.  It is really difficult to spot a person in the water – even with binoculars on the bridge.  I vow to wear bright colors and carry a loud horn when sailing in the future.

My Top 10 list contains a little inside humor, but I am very serious in thanking the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program for selecting me, and the crew of the RAINIER for hosting my cruise.

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Jacquelyn Hams, August 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 9, 2006

ENS Meghan McGovern on left, and ENS Olivia Hauser on right, RAINIER Junior Officers, looking at unmarked buoy sighted by officers on bridge of the RAINIER
ENS Meghan McGovern and ENS Olivia Hauser, Jr Officers, looking at unmarked buoy sighted on the bridge

Weather 
Weather: Foggy, cloudy
Visibility: 1.5 nm
Wind direction: 130
Wind speed: 6 knots
Swell Waves direction: 260
Swell height: 1-2 ft
Seawater temperature: 11.7 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1014,9 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.8 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Personal Log 

I continue to work on activities that can be incorporated into my classes.  The RAINIER is underway to Seward, Alaska. There is some excitement on the bridge after lunch, when an unmarked buoy is sighted on the port side of the ship. Several officers come to the bridge to observe and the buoy is marked on the chart.  As it turns out, this is not a “find” and was updated on the Notice to Mariners put out by NOAA.

After dinner, fog moves in and the RAINIER sounds the fog horn.  As a sailor, I don’t like fog. I am comforted by the fact that I am aboard a large ship with good radar system to detect approaching ships. The fog begins to lift a little and the last day of the cruise, like the first day, is marked by seeing humpback whales.

If this had truly been a “find”, the buoy would have been penciled in and added by NOAA.
If this had truly been a “find”, the buoy would have been penciled in and added by NOAA.
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 8, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 8, 2006

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 6 nm
Wind direction: Light
Wind speed: AIRS
Wave direction: 200
Swell height: 2-3ft.
Seawater temperature: 8.9 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1018.0 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.2 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Personal Log

We are anchored in East Bight and I continue to work on lesson plans. We are scheduled to get underway today for Seward. I am excited because I can spend two days in Seward seeing glaciers and fjords. Although, the weather has changed and it is cloudy and overcast, there is an up side to the weather. Geologic features that are often obscure when the sun is shining show up when the weather is overcast and more contrast is provided. I take the opportunity to showcase another basic geologic feature that is well exposed.

Here is a scenic view of part of the Shumagin Islands. The Haystacks formation is in the center of the photograph.
A scenic view of part of the Shumagin Islands and the Haystacks formation
This is a type of drainage pattern is known as radial. The drainage originates from a central point and occurs on elevated features such as volcanoes.
This is a type of drainage pattern is known as radial. The drainage originates from a central point and occurs on elevated features such as volcanoes.
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 7, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 7, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams using a sextant
TAS Jacquelyn Hams using a sextant

Weather
Clear Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 290
Wind speed: 6 knots
Seawater temperature: 10.6 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1020.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 15.6 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.8 degrees C

Personal Log 

We are anchored in East Bight and I continue to work on lesson plans.  It is a beautiful clear day with many great photo opportunities.  I take advantage of the expertise of Intern Umeko Foster, who gives me a crash course in using the sextant.  I reluctantly admit to owning a sextant for many years and not using it to navigate. Umeko is an excellent teacher and for the first time I am able successfully move the sun to the correct position on the horizon! As a bonus, Umeko demonstrates the correct way to read degrees and minutes.  After dinner, Able Seaman Leslie Abramson drives the liberty boat to and from the beach so crew members can enjoy a little r and r. I ask Leslie to take me on a cruise to a nearby outcrop of rocks with many geologic structures.

Geologic structures are everywhere in this outcrop. Save this picture to your desktop and enlarge it. How many faults, dikes, sills, and folds do see?
Geologic structures are everywhere in this outcrop. Save this picture to your desktop and enlarge it. How many faults, dikes, sills, and folds do see?
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 6, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 6, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams uses a lead line to determine depth during a shoreline survey
TAS Jacquelyn Hams uses a lead line to determine depth during a shoreline survey

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: Light
Wind speed: AIRS
Swell Waves direction: 350
Swell height: 0-1
Seawater temperature: 10.0 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1018.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 15.0 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 

Today I go out on a small boat with Jim Jacobson, Chief Survey Technician, ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Officer, Erin Campbell, Survey Technician, and Corey Muzzy, Seaman Surveyor and Coxswain to conduct a shoreline survey in Porpoise Harbor.  The objective of the shoreline survey is to verify some points which were identified by LIDAR (Airborne laser mapping) which may or may not be rocks along the shoreline. LIDAR is an emerging remote sensing technology that integrates the following three subsystems in to a single instrument mounted in a small airplane to rapidly produce accurate maps of the terrain beneath the flight path of the aircraft.

  • LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) is similar to radar or sonar in that it transmits laser pulses to a target and records the time it takes for the pulse to return to the sensor receiver
  • Fixed reference systems
  • Global positioning satellite system (GPS).
Bathymetric chart reflecting points for investigation during shoreline survey
Bathymetric chart reflecting points for investigation during shoreline survey

LIDAR utilizes a pulsed laser rangefinder mounted in the aircraft.  While most LIDAR systems are designed to measure land elevations (“topographic LIDAR”), the technology can also measure water depths if designed with a light wavelength which will pass through water (“bathymetric LIDAR”).  Bathymetric LIDAR accurately measures the travel time for both the laser return from the sea surface and the return from the seabed.   If the speed of light is known and one corrects for angle, scattering, absorption at the water surface and other biases, the distance to the sea surface and seabed can be computed from these times.  The difference between these distances is the water depth.  In general, bathymetric LIDAR is less accurate and lower resolution than the multibeam sonar systems on RAINIER’s launches, but it can be much faster and safer in some areas.

This is a picture of a sonar image taken on the boat during shoreline survey. The spike on the image represents a rock.
This is a picture of a sonar image taken on the boat. The spike on the image represents a rock.

We have several LIDAR points to verify. RAINIER has been asked to investigate these points because they are around kelp which LIDAR cannot penetrate.  The boat is equipped with vertical beam echo sounders so that the bottom depth is known.  Once the boat reaches the point of investigation, the coxswain drives a star pattern around the point to make sure that all sides of the potential obstacle have been covered.  Lead lines are used to confirm depths close to the shoreline.

The presence of a rock is indicated by the peak in the sonar image on the left.  Depth of the recorder is 32.4 feet. We are able to survey all but three of our points until we have engine problems after crossing on the edge of a thick patch of kelp. Unfortunately, the engine will not start and we have to call for a tow. On the way back to the ship, I have yet another photo opportunity for some geology pictures.  Nagai Island lies within a major fault zone of the Aleutian Islands so many of the rocks are folded and uplifted into spectacular structures. The beds pictured in the photograph below were deposited according to the Principle of Original Horizontality; therefore they should be stacked on top of each other in a horizontal position. Look at them now!

ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Office and Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman.
ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Office and Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman.
Imagine the stress that tilted these beds to the current position.
Imagine the stress that tilted these beds to the current position.
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 5, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 5, 2006

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 231
Wind speed: 4 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.3 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11.7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

I continue working on lesson plans today related to sonar imagery.  The survey technicians suggest a basic guide to interpreting sonar imagery:  “Sound Underwater Images: A Guide to the Interpretation of Side Scan Sonar Data” by John P. Fish and H. Arnold Carr, published by American Underwater Search and Survey.

Able Seaman Leslie Abramson in background and Jodie Edmond in foreground preparing to raise the anchor
Able Seaman Leslie Abramson and Jodie Edmond preparing to raise the anchor

 

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Jacquelyn Hams, August 4, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 4, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams and Steve Foye, Boatswain Group Leader on fantail
TAS Jacquelyn Hams and Steve Foye, Boatswain Group Leader on fantail

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 290
Wind speed: 5 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1013.2 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.8 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.26 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

Today I caught up with the TAS logs and began organizing lesson plans.  An Abandon Ship drill was held at 1515. I videotaped an interview with crew member Jodie Edmond, Able Seaman.

Jodie received an AA degree from a community college and has a very interesting background. She has driven boats for the Kenai Glaciers and Fjords Tour in Alaska and worked in several national parks. Jodie is studying for her captain’s license with NOAA’s support.

NOAA TAS Jacquelyn Hams
NOAA TAS Jacquelyn Hams
Jodie Edmond, RAINIER Able Seaman
Jodie Edmond, RAINIER Able Seaman
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 3, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 3, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams viewing sonar images on a survey boat
TAS Jacquelyn Hams viewing sonar images on a survey boat

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 305
Wind speed: 8 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 11.1 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1002.2 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 14.4 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

The day begins with a Damage Control Meeting at 0830.  This is an all hands meeting for everyone aboard the ship. Safety is stressed aboard the RAINIER at all times.  All hands are shown equipment, patches, and fixes for damages resulting from water, electrical problems, and fire. We are also told where the equipment is stored.

A CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) sensor
A CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) sensor

After lunch I go out on one of the survey boats equipped with multibeam sonar for a hydrography survey. NOAA personnel on the boat are: ENS Jamie Wasser, Junior Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, Junior Officer, Carl Verplank, Seaman Surveyor, and Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman.  The goal of this leg of the cruise is to accurately chart the waters off Nagai Island, Alaska.  The boat I am on will survey the area of Northeast Bight.

In order to measure depth, the equation D=S*T is used.  The time it takes for the sound to bounce off the bottom and return is known.  In order to calculate the distance, the speed at which sound travels through the water must be known. To determine the speed at which sound travels through the water column, the RAINIER collects conductivity, temperature, and pressure data using a CTD sensor called a SEACAT. From these measurements depth and salinity can be derived.

View of radar screen at coxswain’s station on survey boat.
View of radar screen at coxswain’s station on survey boat.

This instrument is deployed into the water at least every four hours during multibeam acquisition. As sound travels through the water, it can be affected by differences in salinity, temperature, and pressure. Therefore, all soundings acquired by the CTD need to be corrected for these effects to accurately chart the survey area. The SEACAT is placed just below the water’s surface for two minutes to allow the sensor to obtain its initial readings. It is then lowered one meter per second through the water column until it reaches the seafloor. Then it is hoisted back to the surface. As the instrument runs through the water column, the sensor obtains conductivity, temperature, and pressure data. Once the SEACAT is aboard, it is connected to a computer.  The sensor data is downloaded using a special program. A survey technician or junior officer uses the program to analyze the data.

Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman and coxswain, steers the survey boat
Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman and coxswain, steers the survey boat

If the data looks reasonable, the launch or ship will begin or continue to acquire soundings. It is very important for the coxswain (person who is driving the boat) to steer the boat along the survey lines so that the final data will be accurate.  Leslie Abramson assists me while I attempt to steer the boat along the survey line. I find that it is easier to steer the RAINIER than a survey boat!

Personal Log 

I have been on the RAINIER for two weeks now, and have been observing how long the days are for the officers on board. After talking with ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, certain things are now clear.  There are no other scientists aboard the RAINIER.  On other NOAA ships, scientists are hosted by the ship and plan and conduct the research operations. On the RAINIER, the officers are the hydrographers or scientists.  In addition to their regular duties, the officers have to plan survey lines, review them at the end of the day, and make plans for the next day.  In addition, they go out on the survey boats to view data acquisition. This makes for an incredibly long day and lots of responsibilities for the officers. I am impressed with their energy and dedication to the job. I had the opportunity to take the classic geology photographs shown below from the survey boat.

Repeat display of Hy Pack navigation and chart at coxswain’s station
Repeat display of Hy Pack navigation and chart at coxswain’s station
A classic U-shaped glacial valley
A classic U-shaped glacial valley
Is this a cirque or a caldera?
Is this a cirque or a caldera?
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 2, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 2, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams reads X-Band radar screen
TAS Jacquelyn Hams reads X-Band radar screen

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 8 nm
Wind direction: 100
Wind speed: 7 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1011.8 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 10.6 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.0 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

I went to the Pilot House this morning to continue working on my navigating underway skills and discovered that the cruise plan had changed and that the ship will anchor in Eagle Harbor tonight.  I am given the two course plot accordingly. According to the weather report, we will run into some bad weather on route to Eagle Harbor.

Radar screen
The rain is shown by the heavy dotted areas and the ship is anchored in the center.

Personal Log 

Here are some photographs of daily activities aboard the NOAA Ship RAINIER.

Survey boats in the Northeast Bight
Survey boats in the Northeast Bight
Shawn Gendron, Hydrographic Assistant Survey Technician, processing survey line data
Shawn Gendron, Hydrographic Assistant Survey Technician, processing survey line data
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Jacquelyn Hams, August 1, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 1, 2006

Weather
Clear Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 200
Wind speed: 10 knots
Seawater temperature: 11.1 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1011.4 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 13.3 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 

I continue practicing navigation underway using radar and dead reckoning.  Three of the fixes I checked fall right on the ship’s course. A few others fall within an acceptable error.  The swells were a little rough so I take a break from the radar screen and charts until the late afternoon.

The NOAA Ship RAINIER anchors in Northeast Bight, Nagai Island for the night.

In the pilot house on the NOAA Ship RAINIER, from left to right, ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Officer, Umeko Foster in foreground Intern, and Jacquelyn Hams, TAS on far right.
In the pilot house, from left to right, ENS Olivia Hauser, Jr Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, Jr Officer, Umeko Foster, and Jacquelyn Hams
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 31, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 31, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams in the pilot house
TAS Jacquelyn Hams in the pilot house

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 330
Wind speed: 10 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.2 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 
Today I practice the skills necessary to navigate underway using radar navigation and dead reckoning. Radar navigation is a technique by which radar is used to determine the distance from the ship to known points on shore. These distances are then transferred to the chart to plot the ship’s position. Radar navigation is useful for fixing the ship’s position in reduced visibility, and as a check against visual means even in good weather. Dead Reckoning is a method of estimating the ship’s position based on assumptions about ship speed, heading, length of time underway on that heading, and other influences such as current or wind.

In general, if the speed of the ship and length of time the ship has been on a particular heading is known, the simple formula “Distance = Speed x  Time” is used to estimate distance run. To plot the estimated current ship position using dead reckoning, we lay down an approximate track line on the chart from our assumed starting position in the direction the ship was traveling and for the distance the ship traveled in nautical miles. Dead Reckoning is used by NOAA as a backup to the more accurate means of fixing the ship’s position in the event that all electronics are lost and there are no visible landmarks for reference. The navigators aboard the RAINIER also keep dead reckoned position, or “DR”, current on their charts to use as a check on their position fixes. The interpretation of radar images, radar navigation, and dead reckoning are definitely acquired skills that I plan to work on during the remainder of this cruise.

Personal Log 

The RAINIER held a beach party after dinner.  We were transported to a nearby beach in Northeast Bight on Nagai Island for a few hours of relaxation.  The beach is rocky and composed of andesite and tuff.  The andesite is much lighter in color than I usually see.  I wasn’t sure it was andesite until I found a rock with the characteristic needle-like pieces of shiny black basalt (obsidian).

Lesson of the Day: Navigation underway

Terms of the Day: Radar, Dead Reckoning

Bonus questions:  What does anchors aweigh mean?

Recommended reading:   Radar Navigation Manual, Publication #1310, .6th edition, 1994, and Defense Mapping Hydrographic Topo Center.

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Jacquelyn Hams, July 30, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 30, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams charting a course in the Pilot House
TAS Jacquelyn Hams charting a course in the Pilot House

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 255
Wind speed: 10 knots
Seawater temperature: 9.40 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.8 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11.7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 
The RAINIER is anchored in Porpoise Harbor while boats conduct hydrography surveys.  I completed my first navigation assignment given to me by ENS Nate Eldridge, RAINIER Junior Officer. The assignment is to plot a course from our anchorage at Porpoise Harbor to our next anchorage at Northeast Bight.  ENS Eldridge provided me with the detailed sail plan showing waypoints, distances, bearings (directions) as a way of checking my work.

NOAA sail plan to Northwest Bight
Sail plan to Northwest Bight

NOAA has several checks and balances that navigators use to assure accuracy of charts. After a rough start, I begin to get the hang of it.  NOAA charts are extremely accurate and a larger than normal dot and circle can result in an error of one or two degrees.  Most of my navigation skills are related to recreational boating or classroom teaching, both of which allow a large margin for error. Toward the end of the exercise I begin to make small but precise points.  ENS Eldridge revises the sail plan due to a change in weather and I complete the revised chart.  When pressed, ENS Eldridge said he would give me and A- on my course! I feel that working with the NOAA navigation officers here will provide me with a skill I can take back to the classroom.

 

Portion of bathymetric chart for Nagai Island and Unga Island with course plotted to Northeast Bight
Portion of bathymetric chart for Nagai Island and Unga Island with course plotted to Northeast Bight
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 29, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 29, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams helps prepare lines on a boat
TAS Jacquelyn Hams helps prepare lines on a boat

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 250
Wind speed: 140 knots
Sea Wave height: 1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1024.3 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 13.3 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 

At 0900 all new personnel including Teachers at Sea participated in deck training.  Deck training consists of learning basic sailing knots and handling lines for launching the boats. Deck training lasted from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with 1/2 hour for lunch. One of the first things I learned is the difference between handling lines on a recreational boat and a ship. Recreational boaters always lock a knot when you tie up at a dock. Ships never lock a knot because the lines are much heavier and they need to loosen lines quickly. Recreational boaters tidy lines and make clever loops and swirls.

Ships demand utility and want lines hanging in places that are easy to access.  I also practiced another way to tie a bowline! A bowline is a basic knot that is taught as many different ways as there are people who tie them. It is important that everyone learn safety procedures and participate in lowering and raising the boats. Most of the survey work is done from boats while the RAINIER is anchored. I feel slightly uneasy walking around the deck of the boats.  Even though there are sufficient hand holds, I am ever vigilant and aware of how cold the water is!

Personal Log 

Here are some stunning photos taken from the RAINIER anchorage at Porpoise Harbor.  These photos were taken after 9 p.m.

View of Nagai Island from Porpoise
View of Nagai Island from Porpoise
View of Nagai Island from Porpoise Harbor
View of Nagai Island from Porpoise Harbor

 

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Jacquelyn Hams, July 28, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 28, 2006

Haystack rock formation
Haystack rock formation

Weather Data
Weather: Clear/Fog Drizzle
Visibility: 2 nm
Wind direction: 245
Wind speed: 14 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1021.7 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11/7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Red rock outcrop on Popofi Island
Red rock outcrop on Popofi Island

Personal Log 

Today I took a launch to Sand Point on Unga Island with crew members to pick up another crew member and some groceries.  I have not seen an Alaskan town since Kodiak and am curious to see how different Sand Point may be.  The ride took approximately 2 hours and we passed more spectacular geology and scenery. Sand Point is a tiny Alaskan fishing village on Unga Island.  It is picturesque, off the tourist path, and full of friendly people. So far the two towns I have seen in Alaska (Kodiak and Sand Point) are very clean and uncluttered. There have been two major earthquakes, many minor earthquakes, and tsunamis in the Aleutian Islands, so it is no surprise that tsunami evacuation routes are well marked.

Columnar basalt
Columnar basalt
Entrance to the harbor at Sand Point
Entrance to the harbor at Sand Point
Tsunami Evacuation route sign in Sand Point
Tsunami Evacuation route sign in Sand Point
Brown algae in Sand Point Harbor
Brown algae in Sand Point Harbor
Breakwater at Sand Point Harbor
Breakwater at Sand Point Harbor
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 27, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 27, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams at the helm of the NOAA Ship RAINIER
TAS Jacquelyn Hams at the helm of the NOAA Ship RAINIER

Weather Data 
Weather: Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10+ nm
Wind direction: LT
Wind speed: AIRS
Sea wave height: 0 ft.
Swell waves direction: 160
Swell waves height: 1 ft
Seawater T: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1025.9 mb
Temperature Dry bulb: 11.01 degrees C
Temperature Wet bulb: 10.0 degrees C

Science and Technology Log 

ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER’s Navigation Officer and Kenneth Keys, RAINIER Deck Utilityman and Helmsman, gave me a lesson in navigation. I steered the ship for approximately two hours during which time I completed several turns. I learned that it is very important to steer the ship along the survey lines so that data quality is not distorted.  A few of the navigation instruments used on the RAINIER are shown below.

Rudder angle indicator
Rudder angle indicator
Gyrocompass repeater (top) and rudder angle order indicator (bottom)
Gyrocompass repeater
Fathometer
Fathometer
Electronic Chart System display
Electronic Chart System display

                                             

 Personal Log 

We are passing many of the smaller islands that make up the Shumagins. The fog has lifted and the RAINIER is approaching Porpoise Harbor, the anchoring spot for the night. The Shumagin Islands are part of the Aleutian Islands Arc system and formed by volcanic activity.  The islands provide a scenic backdrop of dramatic peaks and snow capped summits. We anchor at Porpoise Harbor off Nagai Island.

Lesson of the Day: Navigation

Terms of the Day: Rudder, fathometer

Bonus question:  What is a fathometer?

Recommended reading:  The American Practical Navigator, Bowditch Publication #9

Mitrofina Island
Mitrofina Island
View from porpoise harbor
View from porpoise harbor
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 26, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 26, 2006

Hydrography survey lines in green
Hydrography survey lines in green

Weather Data
Weather: Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 275
Wind speed: 20 knots
Sea Wave height: 2.3 ft.
Swell waves direction: 225
Swell height: 4.5 ft.
Seawater temperature: 10.0 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1008.9 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 10 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 9.4 degrees C  

Science and Technology Log 

The mission of the day is to conduct a hydrographic survey from the RAINIER around the Semidi and Chirikof Islands.  This requires the crew to determine the sound speed of the water column, in order to correct depths measured by the ship’s multibeam sonar for refraction. To determine the sound speed profile, the RAINIER uses a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) sensor called a SEACAT.

Bathymetry along survey area
Bathymetry along survey area

A CTD is an instrument that is deployed from a vessel to detect and record properties of seawater as it is lowered through the water column. The principle measurements are conductivity, temperature, and pressure. From these measurements depth and salinity can be derived.  Sound speed is computed from depth, salinity, and water temperature. To take a sound speed cast, the ship or launch is maneuvered into a position such that the line or wire on which the CTD is lowered will not end up tangled in the propeller. The SEACAT is secured to a winch wire or line. The sensor is exposed and the instrument is turned on.

The SEACAT is placed just below the water’s surface for two minutes to allow the sensor to obtain its initial readings. The SEACAT is lowered one meter per second through the water column until it reaches the seafloor. Then it is hoisted back to the surface. As the instrument runs through the water column, the sensor obtains conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.

Distant ship
Distant ship

Once the SEACAT is aboard, it is connected to a computer and the sensor data is downloaded using a special program. A survey technician or junior officer uses the program to analyze the data. If the data looks reasonable, the launch or ship will begin or continue to acquire soundings.

Personal Log 

Early this morning, the RAINIER encountered tanker traffic. The Polar Eagle is a tanker ship that was headed toward the RAINIER. Following communications between RAINIER officers on the bridge and Polar Eagle officers, the Polar Eagle passed around the stern of the RAINIER so that RAINIER could stay on course and continue surveying. Around 1600, Aghiuk Island was visible from the bridge.  This is a dramatic island with jagged volcanic peaks. At 1815, as the RAINIER survey continued, we had a magnificent view of Mt. Chiginagak (snow covered) on the Alaskan Peninsula.

Aghiuk Island
Aghiuk Island

Lesson of the Day: Surveying

Terms of the Day: Conductivity, cast, hydrography, sounding

Bonus question:  Explain how depth is determined given conductivity, temperature and pressure data.

Recommended reading:   RAINIER website 

Snow covered Mt. Chiginagak on the Alaskan Peninsula
Snow covered Mt. Chiginagak on the Alaskan Peninsula
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 25, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 10, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 25, 2006

ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER Navigation Officer
ENS Sam Greenaway, Navigation Officer

Science and Technology Log 

Weather
Clear, Cloudy
Visibility: 6 nm
Wind: Light
Wind speed:  AIRS
Sea wave height: 0-1
Swell Waves: Direction 160
Swell height: 2 ft
Seawater T: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure:  997.8 mB
Temperature dry bulb: 10 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10 degrees C

After breakfast, I went to the Pilot House to learn navigation procedures on the RAINIER.  ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER’s Navigation Officer showed me the Sail Plan for the ship. I was amazed at the details in the Sail Plan – a far cry from the typical recreational boaters sail plan!

ENS Greenaway also explained the procedures that NOAA follows to report the weather. Weather data is recorded by the ship every hour on the bridge and a Big Weather forecast is reported by the ship to the National Weather Service every six hours using GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). The crew uses books and a computer program to report conditions to the National Weather Service. The “Observing Handbook #1 is a reference providing information on the types of weather conditions at sea.

page from the NWS Observing Handbook. Note that the identification data and meteorological data are in Morse Code.
Page from the NWS Observing Handbook. The identification data and meteorological data are in Morse Code.

The RAINIER uses the information in the Observing Handbook to identify and record weather conditions on a form in the “Ship’s Weather Observations” publication, which contains a key to the Morse Code symbols. The RAINIER participates in NOAA’s Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS) program. The VOS program collects weather and oceanographic data from ships at high seas where observations from fixed instruments are limited.

The RAINIER acquires and reports these data in the SEAS (Shipboard Environmental Date Acquisition System) format, for transmission to NOAA’s Weather Service via satellite using the AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue) system. This program is voluntary but all satellite transmission costs anticipated are paid by NOAA and the United States Coast Guard. The data are used by the National Weather service to ensure that high seas forecasts will be timely and accurate as possible. RAINIER reports weather observations by AMVER/SEAS four times per day (0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GMT). Weather data are encoded in a system called “Ship Synoptic Code FA 13-X which allows very specific information about the conditions observed by the ship to be transmitted as efficiently as possible.

After leaving the Pilot House, I met with Lt. Ben Evans, RAINIER Operating Officer and Acting Executive Officer who explained the mission of this leg of the cruise. The final destination for this leg is Nagai Island which is located approximately in the center of the Shumagin Islands.  Along the way, the survey team will conduct a Hydrography survey for the Semedi Islands and Chirikof Islands.   Lt. Evans explained that shipping traffic was picking up in the area and accurate charts are not available for the area. The last chart of the area is dated 1914. The mission for this leg is to produce a new chart for the area and find hazards for ships.

In the late afternoon, fire and abandon ship drills were held.  These drills are held once a week so that crew and visiting personnel know their reporting stations on the ship for a fire emergency and for a lifeboat if necessary. After the drills, the sun came out.  We have been riding some steady swells today and many of us have taken medicine to combat sickness so the sun is a welcome sight.

Lesson of the Day: Weather

Terms of the Day: Leg, swells, bridge, GMT

Bonus questions:  What is the significance of wet bulb and dry bulb temperature?

Recommended reading:   1.Coast Pilot #9 by NOAA; 2. Observing Handbook #1 – Marine Surface Weather Observations by National Weather Service; Mariners Weather by William P. Crawford, Norton Nautical Books.

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Jacquelyn Hams, July 24, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Kenneth Keys, RAINIER Deck Utilityman
Kenneth Keys, RAINIER Deck Utilityman

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 24, 2006

Science and Technology Log 

The RAINIER will depart today at 1600 for the Shumagin Islands. This morning all visitors and new personnel onboard were given a safety orientation by Kenneth Keys, Deck Utilityman.  I decide to put on my sea sick patch after breakfast just in case the seas get rough.

One of the most important orders of business for the day was to receive Survival Suits and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) from Ken.  In addition, Ken issued hard hats and life jackets. I must admit, the idea of having to wear a Survival Suit was sobering. The suit was so tight that I could barely breathe.  But, as Ken pointed out, the idea was to stay alive and not swallow salt water. Visitors and new personnel were also required to view the videocassettes listed below:

  • “Right to Know” – about hazardous waste materials and proper handling
  • “Asbestos Awareness” – about the proper handling and identification of asbestos
  • “OCENCO EEBD” – Emergency Escape Breathing Devices used aboard the RAINIER.
TAS Jacquelyn Hams in full survival suit
TAS Jacquelyn Hams in full survival suit

At 1300, the TAS met with the Surveying Department to go over surveying techniques and a schedule for this leg. Surveying crew members recommended that I read “Coast Pilot #9, part of a NOAA reference for sailors. Part of the NOAA mission is to update the Coast Pilot book series to maintain accuracy. At 1600 the RAINIER departed Kodiak Island.

1600 Readings Weather Data 
Weather: CL (cloudy) F (fog)
Barometer: 992 mB
Visibility: 4 nm (nautical miles)
Wind: Light
Sea Wave height: 8.9 ft
Temperature in degrees C: 12.8
Wet Bulb T: 11.7 degrees C
Dry Bulb T: 12.8 degrees C
Speed: AIRS on departure
Speed at 1700: 4 knots

The RAINIER’s course allowed me to see more spectacular scenery and the marine wildlife was abundant.  We saw lots of otters and whales. When I retired for bed, the RAINIER was cruising in Kupreanof Strait. This has been a special day and the seas have been a lot calmer than anticipated.

Personal Log 

The crewmembers of the RAINIER are very interesting and come from a variety of backgrounds. Many of them are on second and third careers and have interesting stories to tell. I am particularly struck by how young the officers look! This is a sure sign that I am getting old.

TAS Jacquelyn Hams attempting to remove survival suit
TAS Jacquelyn Hams attempting to remove survival suit
Floyd Pounds, 2nd Cook
Floyd Pounds, 2nd Cook
Megan McGovern, NOAA Ship Gary Streeter, RAINIER
Megan McGovern, NOAA Ship Gary Streeter, RAINIER
Gary Streeter, RAINIER Engineering Technician examines the laptop for TAS Jacquelyn Hams
Gary Streeter, RAINIER Engineering Technician examines the laptop for TAS Jacquelyn Hams
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Jacquelyn Hams, July 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 10, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 9, 2006

Tidal flats, Cook Inlet, Kodiak, AK
Tidal flats, Cook Inlet, Kodiak, AK

Pre-Cruise Log 

My NOAA Teacher at Sea adventure began with a long flight to Anchorage from Los Angeles International Airport. From Anchorage I caught a prop plane to Kodiak, which is an hour flight. Weather began to move in as we traveled to Kodiak, but I could see a few of the Aleutian Islands below.  The landing made me a bit anxious; since it appears that you are landing on the water.  The discomfort was worth enduring to observe the dramatic and beautiful scenery I saw as I landed. The plane flew over Cook Inlet which has enormous tidal flats.  The tidal range in the inlet is over 30 feet per day. ENS Jamie Wasser, NOAA Ship RAINIER’s Junior Officer, met me at the airport in Kodiak and escorted me to the ship.  Everyone thought I was so important since I was being met by an officer in uniform.

NOAA Ship RAINIER in Kodiak, AK
NOAA Ship RAINIER in Kodiak, AK

The RAINIER is docked at the U.S. Coast Guard Facility in Kodiak which is reported to be the largest in the United States. I take advantage of the great photo opportunity driving to the RAINIER dock.  Once aboard the RAINIER, I met Olivia Hauser, Junior Officer, and my roommate for the cruise. Olivia is very nice and extremely outgoing. Olivia gives me a tour of the ship, and I get settled in. Olivia invites me to go eat Sushi and see “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” with some of the crew who are enjoying the last day of leave. The crew has just finished a leg and has a couple of days off before July 24, when we depart for the Shumagin Islands.  We leave at 5:00 in a van to go to the Sushi restaurant and eat, but there are 10 people and it takes a long time so we scrap plans to go to the 7:00 p.m. movie. I return to the room, check on my online class, and get ready for bed. The scenery in Kodiak is dramatic and full of geology.  One hillside composed of exposed volcanic rock is located near the dock.

View of a passage (hallway) aboard the RAINIER. My stateroom is on the right
View of a passage (hallway) aboard the RAINIER. My stateroom is on the right
The sink in my stateroom.
The sink in my stateroom.
This is my stateroom. My bunk is on the bottom.
This is my stateroom. My bunk is on the bottom.
Volcanic rocks on hillside in Kodiak, AK
Volcanic rocks on hillside in Kodiak, AK
Another view of the volcanic rocks in Kodiak
Another view of the volcanic rocks in Kodiak