Day 8 - CTD

Long term followers of this blog will be aware of CTD's and their purpose within oceanography and mapping. 
But for those of you who have not had the pleasure yet the image below is of a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth Sensor) with a carousel of niskin bottles. 

There are multiple purposes for a CTD cast. The CTD can collect high quality data regarding the Salinity (closely related to conductivity), Temperature and Pressure (depth). In this case the CTD was also measuring oxygen and chlorophyll. 
The bottles are used on the way up, each bottle is "fired" at different depths to collect a water sample which can then be analysed on the surface. 
There is more information here written by the official science communicator on board. 

In this case many of the crew were being trained on the use of a CTD and how to operate the crane and A-frame appropriately so we had a number of opportunities to practice and get some great photos. 
It was also interesting from the point of view of an observer to see how different life on board is for the crew of a research vessel than say a cargo or cruise ship. There are a whole range of new skills to learn, from just working with scientists, to dealing with some sensitive and occasionally finicky pieces of equipment. 
All up our cast went really well, we got data that looks appropriate for the region and that information can be used to calibrate our soundings. 

And just in-case you were starting to think it's all about hard work there is the occasional moment of light hearted activity. #ScienceSelfie, once all the science is over and done with!