In the Bleak 'Mid-Winter Solstice'
Posted by Sara and Simon on
22 December 2011
Christmas Chemistry at Sea (by Sara)
We are still here working our way through the remaining sampling
stations in our Thames survey area. Whilst the main focus of
the survey is to explore the effects of physical disturbance to the
seabed we are also interested in the potential influence of
pollutants and their effects on the sediments and the animals
inhabiting them.
Obtaining sediment samples for contaminant analysis is a crucial
step in informing the presence and levels of pollution in marine
sediments. Whilst the Hamon grab is effective for sampling
coarse sediments for PSA and faunal analysis (see ''T'is the season
to be sieving") it is not suitable for the collection of sediment
contaminant samples (which must be taken from an undisturbed
sediment surface).
Therefore, samples for contaminant analysis in coarse sediments
are taken using a Shipek grab (see below, left).Once the Shipek
grab has been retrieved back onboard two samples are taken from the
surface layer of the sediment (see below, centre). One of the
samples will be analysed back at the laboratory for metals and the
other will be analysed for a number of organic compounds.
T'was the Night Before Docking! (by Simon)
Over the course of the survey there has been a certain amount of
friendly rivaly between the two shifts. Perhaps the most
hotly fought contest was that of who had produced the finest
Christmas decorations (see below).
The day shift attempted to claim victory with a 'Santa, Chimney
and Stockings' themed decoration. I'm not sure what may have
gone into the stockings (and I'm not sure that I really want to
know), but the night shift were complaining about the aroma from
the stockings before anything was even put in them!
As normal the survey has been busy, which helps the 12 hour
shift pass quickly, with some spells of quiet time steaming between
stations when a cup of tea and a mince pie can be stolen.
Despite being tired, working hard and enduring some challenging
weather conditions earlier in the survey everyone has remained
cheerful and retained their sense of humour! A reminder to me
how fortunate I am to work with such lovely people, and to have the
opportunity to renew friendships and make new friends whenever at
sea on Endeavour.
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