A successful research cruise requires more than modern equipment though – it requires expertise to run, fix and support the science needs associated with that equipment. The support provided by BAS during PICCOLO has made a big difference to the outcomes of the cruise. This has come in many forms, either through practical support of the multiple gear deployments we made every day, or by the just-as-critical IT and data support that enabled well-informed decision making. Similarly, the unwavering enthusiasm and positive attitude displayed by those helping us to communicate between science and ship (before and during the cruise!) helped us to plan effectively and make reasonable demands of the ship and her crew.
Taking stock
20 March 2024
Karen Heywood (UEA), Tom Bell (PML) and Katrin Schmidt (University of Plymouth)
So, now that the dust has settled, and most of the team have arrived back in the UK, it’s time to take stock and see what we achieved during the PICCOLO field campaign:
Distance travelled: 5650 nautical miles, southernmost latitude 67.59°S
141 profiles of ocean properties obtained from the ship, covering a vertical distance of 245 km! That’s equivalent to Norwich to Birmingham
7,500 water samples collected for analysis
10,230 litres of seawater filtered for biogeochemistry
24,700 litres of seawater sampled for trace metals and isotopes
Six glider deployments, 434 glider dives of data
19 seals tagged (241 profiles and counting…)
Two mooring recoveries and one redeployment
Six floating sediment trap deployments
44 nets to collect zooplankton and krill
One Argo float deployed (eight profiles and counting…)
37 optics rig deployments
One autonomous surface vehicle deployed and recovered carrying ten sensors
Two days of intensive on-sea-ice campaigns
40 drone flights
Maximum roll only 9.66°; fastest speed over ground 18.6 knots
-8.5c lowest air temperature experienced
SDA had her maiden voyage to Antarctica in 2021, yet the PICCOLO research cruise was the first real test.
In addition to the numbers (we scientists do love our stats!), now is also a time to reflect on the practical and human elements that have made our research campaign so successful. The Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough (or SDA for short) is considered one of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world. SDA had her maiden voyage to Antarctica in 2021, yet the PICCOLO research cruise was the first real test. She passed, and we successfully made extensive use of her various capabilities (see the previous blogs!).
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We are indebted to the ship’s captain and company. There was a very good atmosphere on board among crew and scientists alike, and this was a direct consequence of the leadership and approach taken by all aboard. What a privilege the PICCOLO cruise has been, and this privilege can only spur us on to start looking at the mountains of data that have been generated! When asked about the good atmosphere onboard, everybody mentions the captain, but he just laughs and says "… it’s because we all enjoy being in Antarctica."