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We’ve been aboard the R/V Sikuliaq for a few days now and I can say in confidence that it is an experience like no other. From day one of boarding, I was amazed in all aspects of the vessel from her living quarters, dining, mechanics and equipment, and even the lounging area. The comfort makes home feel a little less distant.
STEMSEAS participants were able to get hands on with helping in the calibration of a couple vital instruments in the last couple days. The scientist on board are extremely friendly and helpful in helping explain exactly what each instrument does and how it all plays part in gathering research. Yesterday, we had them explaining to us how the multibeam works and how it is able to use sonar in multiple directions (for up to 2 miles) to measure and map the seafloor. The other instrument that we helped calibrate used technology to pick up where organisms were in the water by reading off their swim bladders and it could even detect millimeter sized bubbles in the water. All of the marine science is very interesting to me, because I have never learned most of it before. It is pretty cool how it is all tied into the same realm of earth science.
Today they were able to do work on the CTD and are still working on the multibeam. We were also given a nice little treat this morning and outside the windows of the dining area there was a school of dolphins swimming adjacent to the vessel. There is still much more to come. Stay tuned! -Devin Lean
