RV CAPE HATTERAS

Dr. Alshuth participated in a biophysical oceanographic research expedition to the Sargasso Sea aboard the RV CAPTE HATTERAS (CH) in 1992, studying unique creatures drifting in the tropical Gulf Stream - an expedition which is part of the "Salp Migration Project". The multidisciplinary research vessel CH - managed by the Duke Lab at the University of North Carolina Oceanographic Consortium, and owned by the National Science Foundation and stationed in Beaufort, North Carolina, equipped with modern technology. An ADCP - an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, a data communication system SAIL - Serial ASCII Instrumentation Loop, Satellite Navigation, Loran, and a weather station provide a variety of oceanographic data. In each research lab aboard, physical data on atmospheric pressure, ocean temperature and salinity of surface waters are displayed on monitors. A research team from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the University of Maine studied physical, chemical and biological oceanography. On a transect from Norfolk/Virginia to Bermuda, biological samples and oceanographic data were collected using a diversity of oceanographic sampling gear including CTD probe and a MOCNESS-trawl (Multiple Opening Closing Net and Environmental Sensitive System) used to collect biological samples and physical oceanographic data from various depths of the pelagic realm – e.g. epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. Used by day and night, the research team studied the vertical migration of pelagic organisms. This research on distribution and reproduction biology on a diversity of organisms in offshore waters below the surface zone contributed to our knowledge of biomass production in the Atlantic Ocean. Publications related to this expedition include:

Note: Peer-reviewed publications are listed in associated marine research laboratories section.

Alshuth, S. 1994.  Participating in US-research in the Sargasso-Sea.  West Atlantic expedition of the RV CAPE HATTERAS. (German – Text and Photography).  Marine Forum 69 (1/2), 29-30.

Alshuth, S. 1993.  Research in the Sargasso-Sea. (German – Text and Photography). Schiffahrt international, 44 (4), 33-34.


Click on any picture below to start slide show.

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RV CAPE HATTERAS in Bermuda.
RV CAPE HATTERAS in Bermuda.
Oceanographic research in Sargasso Sea - adjacent to the Gulf Stream
Oceanographic research in Sargasso Sea - adjacent to the Gulf Stream
Course Gulf Stream: Aboard the RV Cape Hatteras
Course Gulf Stream: Aboard the RV Cape Hatteras
Launching the MOCNESS trawl - used to collect biological samples from the pelagial: from the surface zone, the photic zone, down to the pycnocline.
Launching the MOCNESS trawl - used to collect biological samples from the pelagial: from the surface zone, the photic zone, down to the pycnocline.
Research team collecting samples from MOCNESS trawl.
Research team collecting samples from MOCNESS trawl.
Sorting samples from midwater trawl
Sorting samples from midwater trawl
Studying vertical migration of pelagic organisms such as this juvenile fish
Studying vertical migration of pelagic organisms such as this juvenile fish
Lobster larvae - Phyllosoma
Lobster larvae - Phyllosoma
Midwater fish collected from pelagic with MOCNESS trawl.
Midwater fish collected from pelagic with MOCNESS trawl.
Launching the midwater trawl - by day and night to study the abundance and vertical distribution of marine organisms down to 800 meters depth.
Launching the midwater trawl - by day and night to study the abundance and vertical distribution of marine organisms down to 800 meters depth.
CTD probe - used to collect oceanographic data
CTD probe - used to collect oceanographic data
Preparing for blue water diving - to collect and study the swimming behavior of gelatinous salps.
Preparing for blue water diving - to collect and study the swimming behavior of gelatinous salps.
Maintenance onboard: Dr. Alshuth’s turn to stitch the MOCNESS trawl nets.
Maintenance onboard: Dr. Alshuth’s turn to stitch the MOCNESS trawl nets.
The MOCNESS-trawl consists of five single nets and a diversity of physical oceanographic instruments.
The MOCNESS-trawl consists of five single nets and a diversity of physical oceanographic instruments.
Retrieval of MOCNESS trawl.
Retrieval of MOCNESS trawl.
Midwater fish
Midwater fish
Midwater shrimp
Midwater shrimp
Midwater fish
Midwater fish
Midwater fish, eel larvae called Lepthocephali, and jelly-like salps studied on this transect.
Midwater fish, eel larvae called Lepthocephali, and jelly-like salps studied on this transect.
Research by day and night - every minute counts for our 24/7 research schedule on the CH.
Research by day and night - every minute counts for our 24/7 research schedule on the CH.
Before the expedition's end - on position 33º38' northern latitude and 68º18' western longitude - our captain announces a "swim call" at 4,000 meters water depth.
Before the expedition's end - on position 33º38' northern latitude and 68º18' western longitude - our captain announces a "swim call" at 4,000 meters water depth.

SARGASSO SEA EXPEDITION

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