Sunset CTD #jc275

Bongo nets by moonlight #jc275

After hundreds of turbulence profiles, we’re back on a solid ground in Walvis Bay! I’m very pleased to have been part of Cartridge Team. The best part is yet to come (data, data, data… 🤓🤓🤓) #JC275

Over the last few days we’ve been operating the Vertical Microstructure Profiler (VMP) 2000. We tow-yo this tethered instrument up and down to 500 meters while it measures turbulence in the water column. A shark swam up to check it out. #jc275

Both moorings, that have been out for the duration of this cruise, have successfully been recovered. The data from the instruments is being downloaded as we transit to our final station closer to Africa. #jc275

Every few days we clamp 4 of these SAPs (Stand Alone Pumps) at various depths along the winch wire. They stay in the water column while they pump for 2 hours. Upon recovery, the scientists remove the filters for analysis. #jc275

We have successfully recovered both wirewalker drifters deployed at the start of this cruise. #JC275

Attached to the mooring wire at various depths are temperature and pressure sensors as well as current meters. We’ll recover the moorings at the end of the cruise to download the instruments’ data. #jc275

We deployed 2 moorings at the beginning of this cruise. One on the mid Atlantic ridge (~3000m depth) and the other at a deeper site off the ridge (~4500m). #jc275

pre-deployment setup of the top part of the mooring #jc275

Before and after unpacking the containers #jc275

These containers were packed with scientific equipment in Southampton in mid-December and shipped across the Atlantic to Rio. Our first task was to unpack them, stow, and secure the equipment for sea. #jc275

RRS James Cook mobilising in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for #jc275 CarTRidge expedition.