Below are some of the students' reports of their experiences on-board the UTIG student cruises, R/V Longhorn Cruise No. 736 (July 14-16) and Cruise No. 741 (Aug. 11-13).
From August 11th through August 13th I had the opportunity to participate on a student research cruise. The purpose of the cruise was to retrieve a broad-band ocean bottom seismograph which was deployed a month earlier.Each of the students was assigned to a four-hour shift with two other students. The purpose of the shifts was to record the ship coordinates and other data. We kept track of the COG (course over ground), SOG (speed over ground), as well as the latitude and longitude. While not working I explored the ship and tried to learn more about navigation as well as the equipment we used to recover the BBOBS. I found it very interesting how we located and recovered the device. Once we arrived at the coordinates that the BBOBS was deployed, we shot off a series of airgun blasts while sailing in a cris-cross pattern over the device. Once we located it, we released it from its steel base that was holding down at the ocean floor(approximately 1500m). Once retrieved I was able to look at some of the data using Matlab on the Sun computer system. The trip took around 18 hours to leave port and arrive at the spot. One reason it took so long is because at one point we slowed down to 5 knots and mapped the ocean floor. I thought this was very interesting at spent some time to examine the device which did this.
On this trip I learned alot about seismology, navigation, and met some very interesting people, who are now good friends.
- John Bacon
Last August, I was a member of the team of students chosen to man the R/V Longhorn BBOBS retrieval. The experience was unique and valuable. Before the cruise, we got to look around one of the Institute's warehouses. It was awesome to see the crates sent in from the research post in Antarctica, the giant air guns, various seismometers, and the scientists' work areas. Once on board, we students had the responsibility of recording navigational data, sea and air temperature, and water depth on time intervals ranging from five to fifteen minutes, in four hour shifts. It was also our responsibility to ensure that the echo sounder graphed at the correct scale corresponding to relative ocean depth. The best part of the cruise was the time spent working. It gets real boring real fast on that boat. I would have liked to have longer shifts, and more responsibility. I regret that, due to schedule conflicts, I didn't get the opportunity to participate in the downloading and interpretation of the data we retrieved.
I found out that practically no one can escape the grips of seasickness, and I highly recommend to anyone considering boarding this vessel to see his/her doctor for a transdermal (patch) scopolamine prescription. They work! I also discovered that the crew of the R/V Longhorn are great cooks, although not the healthiest intentioned. The food was a little bit meat heavy. You will not go hungry on this boat. I also recommend bringing a few books. The hours are long, but the pay was great, and the experience even better.
- Carrie Beveridge
On July 13 through 16, I was involved with the retrieval of one of the Broad-Band Ocean Bottom Seismographs deployed off the continental shelf about 140 nautical miles from Port Aransas. The objective of the cruise was to retrieve the BBOBS device and to analyze the data that it collected. The cruise out to the test site took approximately 18 hours both ways and was very exciting for me. I enjoyed very much the opportunity to meet all the students and scientists involved and to somehow help the project along. It was very relaxing to lay out on the R/V Longhorn, and to participate in the daily data collection and ship duties. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to observe and actual offshore geophysical research cruise. I learned a great deal about the process of geophysical data acquisition and the error associated with it. The quarters aboard the vessel was close but they provided a unique sleeping experience. The food was good and the relaxed reading time was excellent. I had a great time! Thanks for the opportunity!
- Jonathan Skaggs
The cruise was by far worth the days I missed in class. For the first time I was able to not only observe, but be apart of research. I felt more "in-touch" with my major. It is one thing to learn about geology and quite another to "do" it. When I went on the cruise, my background in geology only consisted of 303 and 416M. Unfortunately, I didn't understand as much as the others, but I got the general idea. The BBOS didn't really interest me as much as the Seismic. I caught myself watching the "mapping" of the ocean floor throughout most of the trip. What I liked about the trip is that it wasn't too long or too short. I was definitely ready to get off the boat when it docked. I also enjoyed working in teams instead of working individually. This strengthened my ability to work with others. I must admit that I knew very few people in the department. Now, I know eight more! In addition, I'd never been on a boat before, and now I know that I can handle it. I'd also never seen an oil rig before so I was able to experience getting really close up to one. To add to this, I'd never been on a ferry or even to a port before! The captain was really nice and showed me how he navigated the boat. I learned that a nautical mile does not equal a mile. I learned how to shoot an air gun and how to keep a good account of the coordinates of a ship. On a personal note, I learned that sunscreen is essential on all exposed parts of the body. The only thing I disliked about the cruise is the location of my room. Since it was next to the engine room and the fact that this was my first boat ride, I had a strong fear of the engine room catching on fire! I thought about this every time I tried to sleep so I didn't sleep much at all.