The Labs and Equipment

The microbial ecology group used this lab to make their slides and make observations using the epifluorescence microscope.

The radioisotope work conducted by the microbial ecology group had to be done in a separate lab located on the helodeck, familiarly known as the RadVan. 

A rosette being brought aboard after sampling. This rosette is referred to as the CTD because it returns data on Conductivity, Temperature and Depth as it decends. There are 24 10-liter niskin bottles making up the CTD that can be triggered at various depths in the water column to get a column profile.

Another sampling device being put over the side. This rosette is referred to as TMC because it is specially made to be Trace Metal Clean. There are 8 30-liter niskin bottles making up the TMC. Samples from these bottles are generally used for experiments that require large volumes of water taken from one depth.

The required attire for 'on deck' or 'on ice' operations is a mustang suit and 'bunny boots'. Rachel Parsons, BBSR kindly models her gear. 

The 'bunny boots' although very trendy were difficult to walk in. They were great for keeping feet warm and dry. They are a requisite piece of gear provided to all U.S. Antarctic Program participants by ASA in Christchurch, New Zealand.

[ More photos from the Ross Sea |Microbial Ecology Page]