Researcher at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University
Bio: I am a chemical oceanographer who usually works with large carbonate datasets to statistically analyze trends and changes in surface ocean data. However, for this cruise I will be participating in the data collection aspect of research instead. I am very excited to be heading out on my third GO-SHIP cruise, and second one aboard the R/V Brown. While this will be my third cruise, it will be my first in my current role working with the LADCP onboard. Previously I have served as a CTD watchstander, whereas this time I will be in a more independent role working with the LADCP instruments. I am brand new to this instrument but am excited to learn a new skill. In addition to working with a new instrument, I am most excited to get to know my fellow scientists onboard. The best part of cruise-life truly is the people you get to spend it with. While being away from family and friends for 6 weeks can be tough, the friendships you build with those onboard will follow you throughout your career. My second favorite thing about participating on cruises is getting to be on the water. I grew up in Hawaii and spent most of my youth in or on the ocean. Now, I live in a landlocked state and so getting to be out on the ocean is a wonderful escape.
What I’m doing on this cruise: An LADCP (Lowered Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) can then provide information about horizontal currents in the water. The instrument sends out a sound wave with a well-defined frequency. This wave is reflected by particles moving with the water flow. The travel time of the reflected sound wave is indicative of the distance from the transducer, i.e. the depth. The frequency shift is indicative of the water speed. From that we can calculate current speed and direction!
GO-SHIP Indian Ocean Cruise 2018 