How To Deploy a Scientific Buoy

Last week was my first cruise with the new lab. As they specialize in moorings (longterm deployments of instruments for scientific use), we put two in the water and got one out.

First, we have to choose a specific spot to drop the anchor, in our case a set of 500 pound railroad wheels on a large metal post. Because of the weight of these objects, they will drop straight downward, pulling anything attached with them. After making a giant 'X' where we measure bottom topography, the spot is chosen by Uwe Send our Principle Investigator and Chief Scientist.

We allow the boat an hour long drift test which will go into calculations for where to start the deployment; we have over 3500 meters of cable, rope, instruments, and chain which we want to be pulled into that special location by the anchor when it drops. During this drift test, the float is being prepared, the instruments are being lined up, and we are all psyching ourselves up for the intense deployment about to take place.

Two Buoys to be Deployed on the New Horizon

The float is the first to go in, with multiple people holding multiple guidelines attached to multiple points on the buoy; while it floats, the buoy still weighs ~4200 pounds and swings where the waves take it if we aren't careful. Once in the water, the float is towed behind us as the boat chugs along at a comfortable 1-1.5 knots in order to avoid tangles. We slowly feed the wire out, placing sensors at preordained locations.

After 1000 meters of cable/rope/chain/instruments (or 4000 with the second buoy), we prepare to release the 5000 pound anchor. Dangerous pitching and rolling ensues, but with enough guidelines, the anchor makes it into the water, pulling the buoy as it falls.

Surveying the Goose-neck Clam Coverage

Somethings Interesting:
-Recovery is not as exciting and a lot smellier; as the instruments near the water are pulled onboard, theyare covered with goose-neck clams, algae, and crabs attempting to defend their home.

-The longest "day" for me this cruise was the recovery and deployment at the second station. Each process takes about 8 hours, plus prep and a few CTD casts were thrown in for good measure; in 39 hours, I managed to escape for 5 hours of sleep.

-Following the cruise, I trained it north to Long Beach for an Irish Catholic Family Reunion (on my mother's side). This was my first age 20+ reunion with this family; a good time was had.