Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 00:04:29 GMT
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To: ALSUTHER@nsf.gov, KERB@nsf.gov, mo-sciweekly@asa.org
From: rossro@lmg.polar.org (Robin Ross)
Subject: LMGould:  SciWeekly 1-8 Feb 99
Cc: sanamowa@lmg.polar.org, asalmg@lmg.polar.org, shawca@lmg.polar.org,
        patterka@lmg.polar.org, duleype@lmg.polar.org, kozlowwe@lmg.polar.org,
        tupaslo@lmg.polar.org, langdon@icess.ucsb.edu, karen@icess.ucsb.edu,
        ray@icess.ucsb.edu, charleen@icess.ucsb.edu, dkarl@soest.hawaii.edu,
        mvernet@ucsd.edu, fraserbi@palmer.usap.nsf.gov, dgm@ldeo.columbia.edu

Dear Colleagues,

During the fourth week of the annual Palmer LTER mesoscale cruise we
completed the last of the transects (the 200.* line just south of Adelaide
Island) with the full complement of activities at all stations.  The 200.*
line included three stations inside Marguerite Bay, and alongtrack data
collection between all stations.  The Marguerite Bay stations showed the
highest phytoplankton standing stock to date.  In addition we conducted
repeat sampling on the 300.* line to track short term changes (~ 3 weeks)
in epipelagic waters.  The repeat sampling is a subset of the initial
regime:  a PRR/PUV cast, a CTD cast with the HydroScat, and sampling from
water bottles for chlorophyll a, nutrients, oxygen, and an index of the
microbial population, and to measure the spectral absorption by total
particulate, detrital and chromophoric dissolved organic matter in surface
samples.   At each station we also did one net tow with a simultaneous
acoustic transect to collect information about the abundance and
physiological condition of the secondary producers.  Salps and krill were
both present in most catches.  Although the salp population was showing
signs of coming to the end of its bloom cycle, salp abundance was still
high, with a maximum catch of 26 liters.  The last of the formal transects
for alongtrack data collection for our study of determinants of spatial
patterns was also completed late in the week.  The inner shelf alongshore
transect started offshore of Adelaide Island, and ended 200 km north,
outside the northern end of Renaud I.

The weather has been good, with blue skiies on a few days, and calm enough
seas to allow zodiac operations both at inner shelf and open ocean
stations.  We collected sea ice for experiments with sea ice biota from two
locations, near Tickle Channel in Marguerite Bay and in Crystal Sound.  We
also used the zodiacs to collect uncontaminated surface seawater from both
oceanic and coastal areas for experiments.

On February 7 we rectified an "egregious breach of seafaring etiquette".
Many aboard the LM Gould had crossed the Antarctic Circle for the first
time without paying proper homage to the august personage of King Neptune!
King Neptune and his court convened in the Baltic Room Theatre at 3:30 pm
to view a skit performed by the uninitiated.  The Crossing Ceremony
followed.  King Neptune and his Queen were pleased, and awarded
certificates to all the first time crossers of the Antarctic Circle.

At this point in the cruise, many of our initial goals have been
accomplished.  All time series stations, and all alongtrack transects have
been completed.  These accomplishments are partially due to the excellent
support we have received from the ASA personnel on board, and the
cooperation and skill of Captain Warren and his crew.  Their support is
greatly appreciated.

Robin M. Ross
Chief Scientist