Day 2 Kilo Moana

Yesterday was a busy day. First, the respirometer was deployed in the morning. Then the CTD was cast. CTD stands for Conductivity (the salinity of the water), Temperature, and Depth. The CTD has approximately 24 long tube looking bottles (each bottle is labeled with a number). The purpose of this device is to collect water samples from different depths of the ocean. As it states in the acronym for CTD, the device is also used to collect the conductivity and temperature for each depth of water sample.



I was amazed to see this huge device, and find out that it’s controlled by a computer. On the computer, it shows the farthest depth the CTD descends, and also the conductivity & temperature for that depth. When the CTD reaches the depth for the water sample, someone pushes the “Fire” button on the computer. After the fire button is pushed, then the bottle opens its traps and collects the water sample.
Dr. Brian Popp, Geology/Geophysics Professor at University of Hawaii at Manoa, is using the CTD device on this expedition. He is collecting water samples from many different depths. Dr. Popp is analyzing the carbon and nitrogen levels in each water sample.






Also yesterday, I helped a Graduated student with his own project. Gordon is working on viruses, and researching how these viruses affect communities of microbals. He uses a pretty cool instrument named pipette. The pipette is used to take the water sample and put it into another bottle. This instrument allows you to calibrate it to the exact amount of milliliters you want to take from the sample.



I never knew that viruses could be good. Gordon told me that the viruses play a specific role and function in the ocean. He explained that they control diversity and also can transfer genetic material to their host. I am learning so much!!! =)

Today’s agenda is to do another CTD cast, do more plankton tows, and deploy a trap & a camera. The trap has a fish inside to lure other fish into the trap. They’re also using squid to attract other fish. The squid pieces are on hooks that are attached to the trap rope. The goal of the camera is to take pictures of deep-sea fish.

Later tonight we will be having a bioluminescence lab. I’m excited!!!

=)