Scholar Ship Measurements and Observations

Filling in the gaps

On its voyages around the world The Scholar Ship crosses regions of the ocean where only few oceanography measurements have been made. To send dedicated research ships to these areas is extremely expensive. Regular shipping routes are also rare, so routine observations from voluntary observing ships are sparse. For oceanographers The Scholar Ship therefore represents an opportunity that is too good to miss.

A unique opportunity

As a 'ship of opportunity' The Scholar Ship carries instruments supplied by science partners around the world to measure key oceanographic and atmospheric parameters. Many of these observations are part of larger science programmes, which rely on ships such as The Scholar Ship to help make routine measurements. However, the presence of the oceanographers in residence and a lot of interested students makes this more than a voluntary observing ship; in many ways the activities onboard resemble those of a dedicated research ships.

As results of the research emerge, they will be reported here.

Data collection programmes

FerryBox: automated flow through system for T, S and water quality parameters
VOS suite of meteorological instruments
Argo floats released on some legs
Microscopy: characterisation of large phytoplankton
Flow cytometry: small phytoplankton
DNA barcoding: bacteria and plankton groups
Plankton Indicators: towed sampler for plankton, characterisation on retrieval
Marine Mammal and Sea Bird Survey: volunteer observer programme for marine life sightings
Trace gases: atmospheric concentrations of SO₂, NO_X and O₃ measured on some legs.