Handling of the sediment traps on land. (Photo: Tim Boxhammer)

First of all, restarting a KOSMOS experiment means hard work. But the key for success is a bunch of enthusiastic scientists working together as a big team.

Adding of a good portion of Sikaflex® for extra sealing at the junction of the flange and the funnel of the trap. (Photos: Tim Boxhammer & Jessica Bellworthy)

Being the “sediment trap guy“ of the KOSMOS core team my work in these days was focused on extra sealing of possible leakages in the sediment traps. Additional sealing of the traps to resist even high pressures due to salinity changes in the surrounding fjord water was one of the main tasks to prepare the restart of the experiment.

After opening the mesocosm bags the sediment traps were brought to shore with the research vessel Oscar von Sydow. Thanks a lot to the crew of the ship, Bjerne and Ursula for their great support!

Removal of the biofilm inside the traps. (Photo: Ulf Riebesell)

Three cartridges of Sikaflex® and four different cartridge-caulking guns from “Trabbi” to “Ferrari” quality were needed for extra sealing. The sealing was followed by biofilm removal with a high-pressure cleaner, scanning of all funnels for eventual holes in the TPU foil and tightening of all screws at the collecting cylinder of the trap.

Scanning the bags for eventual holes in the foil. Special thanks to Kai for supporting us during these days! (Photo: Ulf Riebesell)

Within 24 hours the traps were back in the field. If I haven’t mentioned the great team spirit of KOSMOS experiments so far, here it is. Thanks guys, great teamwork again!