Data, data, data! Today
we collected CTD data and water samples to profile the water columns above
Dream and Mysterious Banks, which are both located in the southern grouping of
the South Texas Banks. Dr. Paul Zimba
and doctoral candidate Maureen Trnka will analyze water samples to determine
which algal species are present at which depths at the two sites.
Between the CTD dives, the crew conducted a safety exercise
by testing the tender boats. HRI and
other students and journalist Mark Schrope rode along for photo opportunities
and to collect Sargassum (macroalgae)
samples. It was an exciting ride as
pantropical spotted dolphins followed the little excursion. At least a dozen dolphins swam alongside the
boat playing in the wake and jumping into the air.
Just a little taste of dolphins galore
Image credit: Maureen Trnka
Dr. David Hicks spoke at the afternoon’s SASS and the told
the crew and scientists about his biodiversity assessment studies in high
salinity environments in an ecological restoration area in south Texas near the
Mexican border.
Dr. Hicks speaking to crew and science party as SASS
Image credit: Harriet Nash
Throughout the day and into the night we also continued
collecting multibeam data for detailed mapping of remaining sites. As before, scientists took turns processing
the incoming data. Refined maps will be
used to guide the next ROV dives tomorrow.
On the lounge deck just before sunset, the crew and
scientists wrapped up the day with a lovely “charcoal-based social networking
opportunity,” AKA barbecue, complete with a slideshow recapping the first week.
BBQ Social
Image credit: Harriet Nash
Day 6 Sunset
Image credit: Maureen Trnka
Written by Harriet
Nash for HRI at TAMU-CC.
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