Today (29 February 2016) marks the beginning of scientific cruise M124 on board the legendary German Research Vessel – FS Meteor. Departing from Cape Town, South Africa in the capable hands of Captain Michael Schneider, the Meteor’s 32 crew and 27 scientists (of 10+ nationalities) set out to research the South Atlantic Ocean. The M124 cruise will take us from Cape Town to Rio, Brazil by the 19 March 2016. Lead scientist Johannes Karstensen (of GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research) along with Sabrina Speich (of Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique) are supervising myself along with eight other students all investigating topics within the overarching theme of “Ocean Observation- from sensor to knowledge”.

FS METEOR ready to start My Science Cruise

As a group, we students are gaining hands on training in the use and deployment of sensors such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), CTDs, uCTD/ RapidCast systems, Multinets (Hydrobios), Thermosalinographs, Oxygen Optodes, Salinometers, Sunphotometers (Microtops), Optical Sensors, and Multibeam Echo Sounders. The data collected on the cruise will be used to answer questions regarding the Agulhas Rings, meteorological/ oceanographic conditions of the region, and to observe the similarities and differences in ship-based observations and satellite data.

We have had a few unfortunate bumps along the way so far, along with engine testing which delayed our departure as well as two of our team having “unwillingly donated” their luggage to the airlines. However this was made up for with visitation by Heaviside’s dolphins, Cape fur seals, and breaching humpback whales as we cruised out of the Waterfront on a path taking us past Robben Island.

Having worked and studied in South Africa for over two years now, it is very hard for me to leave such a beautiful place. While this image shows the natural beauty of Cape Town, I believe everyone should also know that South African locals are the most amazing people I have ever met. I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience South Africa in their lifetime.

For updates about life on board and the status of the research, tune in daily for posts by the students of the FS Meteor M124 cruise (2016).

Kevin Schmidt