Life aboard the Launceston
Hello from offshore Mexico! As of this writing, we completed the last deployment of the Ocean Bottom Seismograph (OBS) about a week ago. Everyone at the science party was very excited about the data we’ve collected so far.Keeping the tradition, we commemorated a float attached to the OBS by Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Science Party members and staff pose for a photo with a float commemorating “Me Gusta!” on the research cruise. Pictured from left to right: Jorge Real-Pérez, UNAM Geophysical Engineer; Brian Boston, LDEO Research Scientist; Cassandra Frey, Protected Species Observer; Brandon Schuck, LDEO Postdoctoral Research Scientist; Justin Smith, OBS Technician; Kevin Nikolaus, OBS Technician; Daniel Kot, OBS Technician; Cody Bahlau, OBS Technician; Anne Bécel, LDEO Associate Research Professor; Víctor Cruz-Atienza, UNAM Professor; Tanner Acquisto, LDEO PhD Candidate; Todd Jensvold, Chief Scientific Officer, Langseth; Donna Shillington, Northern Arizona University Professor; Josh Burstein, Master Candidate, Northern Arizona University.Photo: Tanner Acquisition
Next, we drop anchor in Acapulco for a quick restocking (lots of groceries) and say goodbye to OBS technicians Kevin, Dan and Justin, and a member of the Party of Science: PhD candidate Tanner Acquisto.While we will miss their company, we do Longsay Veteran and former Columbia University professor Donna Hillington.
OBS Technician Kevin Nikolaus poses for a photo after recovering the seabed seismometer, admiring the magnificent sunset.Photo: Brandon Shook
Currently we are doing the second stop of this research cruise collection Multi-channel seismic reflection data across the Central American Trench. The science party was full of excitement as we towed a 15km cable behind the boat. This “streamer” is filled with hydrophones 12.5 meters apart that are recording small sound waves produced by a series of air guns that are also towed behind the boat. Apart from some small equipment issues now fixed and some local wildlife to greet the ship, the seismic survey has been successful so far. The initial excitement of collecting the data has now faded, and the past few days have been relatively quiet. To repeat a common mantra here: “A boring earthquake is a good earthquake.”
Being my first long time offshore, it was fun to experience life on a research ship. Life here is much smaller. It’s refreshing to take a break from the constant news updates and social media posts. Conversations with colleagues and crew became more and more interesting. I read novels after get off work (this is already the summer vacation I read the most since high school) LongsayThe library has a great selection! Boats can get noisy when airguns are deployed, so I find the bow and stern are the best places to read as they tend to be the quietest. The bow and stern are also the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise, which are spectacular.
Sunset in Acapulco.Photo: Josh Burstein
Cabin heat is a very real phenomenon at sea, and I admit that it happens sometimes.gym on board Longsay In surprisingly good shape, this is a great way to release some energy. There’s even a stationary bike in the gym that I’ve been riding to experience the spirit of the Tour de France later next month.
Currently, the seas are getting choppy as we sail near a storm now officially named Hurricane Blass. Time to close the hatch!
Josh Burstein is a master’s candidate at Northern Arizona University.
