Ocean science flourishes in the furthest corners of the globe. This winter — or summer, for our Southern Ocean enthusiasts! — Senior Research Scientist Ben Twining is taking part in the IRON-MAN expedition in and around the southernmost continent.
We’ll share updates from Ben throughout the expedition, including behind-the-scenes photos and videos from Antarctica. Check Currents regularly during the month of February to follow along with this incredible work!
ANTARCTIC DISPATCH 1: PUNTA ARENAS
I flew to Punta Arenas, Chile, on January 6 to join the IRON-MAN project. IRON-MAN is short for Iron and Manganese, and we’ll be focusing on how trace metals like these regulate phytoplankton growth and impact the carbon cycle.
That’s where I boarded the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a beauty of an icebreaker. One of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world, it was launched in 2018 and is operated by the British Antarctic Survey.
In Punta Arenas, it was also great to see the R/V Roger Revelle in port! I sailed on the vessel during my previous Southern Ocean expedition. Other colleagues at Bigelow Laboratory have performed research on the ship, too.
The first task during mobilization was to unpack shipping containers filled with scientific gear. We also did a little last-minute shopping for missing screws and ‘bits and bobs’, as everyone says here. We also topped up the vessel’s fuel tanks; I think we took about 20 tankers of fuel! When filled, the RRS Sir David Attenborough can go 19,000 nautical miles at 13 knots!
After five days of work, we said goodbye to Punta Arenas. Many folks waved from the helicopter, or helo, deck. Then, we headed west out of the Straight of Magellan.
Next, Ben will share a look at ocean sampling en route to Antarctica. He’ll also introduce you to several new, very large friends he met in the water along the way. Stay tuned!
Many thanks to Ben for sharing these great captures from the expedition.
