Falmouth Group 8
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Estuary Work
In order understand the physical and chemical processes in the Fal Estuary, a series of depth profiles were taken at stations moving upsteam from the ocean. Stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 were sampled by group 4, while stations 5, 6, 7 and 8 were sampled by group 8.
At each station , CTD depth profiles were taken. Niskin bottles attached to the rosette frame were used to take water samples at certain depths. A Secchi depth was also measured by hand while these profiles were being gathered. Once the CTD was recovered, water samples were taken and stored appropriately. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) samples were taken first and the bottled samples stored under water in order to minimise contact with the atmosphere. Water for chlorophyll, silicon and nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) samples was taken and filtered. Finally phytoplankton samples were taken from the Niskin bottles at stations. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8. Zooplankton samples were collected at stations 1, 4 and 8 using a net trawled behind the boat.
Lab Work
The following day the samples taken from the estuary were analysed in the lab back on shore. The purpose in this was to quantify silicate, nitrate, phosphate and chlorophyll levels, dissolved oxygen saturation, and the estimated populations of phytoplankton and zooplankton per m³ of water. The results of these analyses should be able to provide an overview of the various processes occurring throughout the estuary and throughout the water column. One particular aim was also to be able to characterise the salinity structure of the estuary (salt wedge, partially mixed or fully mixed). The changes in the tidal state can also be analysed from the processed data obtained from the Black Rock transect.
Boat work
Location: From: To:
Date: 27/06/2013
Time period: 11:45 to 3:15 UTC
Tides: High Tide: ; Low Tide:
Weather conditions: /8 cloud cover