AMT Blog

Mario's first research cruise

Mario was the successful candidate from a good number of applicants from around the world who applied to be awarded the first Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO)/AMT fellowship, the aim of which is to engage with those from developing countries and give the opportunity to learn new skills and to participate in an international research cruise. As I write we are about just 1 degree north of the equator so in fact not that far in relative terms from Mario’s home in Bogota, Columbia. He has been a great colleague on board, always smiling, and is being taught English sayings (including some of the more mischievous).

Here is Mario’s first blog…

We have now moved from more productive waters back into oligotrophic conditions. The mixed layer has deepend to 60m, the deep chlorophyll maximum is sitting at 80m and just below the thermocline.

Today we spotted a single frigate bird and what was either a sunfish or turtle. The seas around the equator are calm and I looking forward to being rocked into a deep sleep before being abruptly awakened in less than 5hrs time for the next CTD.