charismaticmicrofauna

The weather at 9°N has been atypical since we arrived. All of the crew and scientists agree that this spot has always been warm, serene, and sunny. Instead, we have experienced clouds, rain, gusty winds, and choppy swells. We haven’t been able to see all of the stars at night, which is one of the best things about being out in the open ocean. The sun finally appeared bright yesterday and the Pacific surface was calm. When the sun set, the squids I remember from two years ago appeared again at the surface. The stars were numerous and the Milky Way belt appeared. As I identified Venus and the North Star, a shooting star streaked across the sky toward Cassiopeia.

Yesterday was our last ALVIN dive of the research cruise. As soon as the sub surfaced and was docked in its hangar, the Atlantis headed full steam east to Mexico. We’ll be there by tomorrow; one day earlier than expected. This research cruise has been productive and I feel like I have grown as a scientist and maybe as an individual. The next few days will be spent breaking down our equipment, packing our gear, and handling paperwork to ship our packed crates and boxes back the US. Once we dock, we still have some work to do with a limited amount of time to do it so that the next team of scientists for the Atlantis’ next expedition can get on the ship and set up to do more science.

This expedition has overall been the best of the three that I have participated in. I only cried once, and that’s only because I was homesick and not overwhelmed. We collected copious amounts of giant tube worms, conducted numerous experiments, and I got to see hydrothermal vents along a continental plate in the ALVIN. Comparing my experience from my first expedition to this current one, I have grown as a scientist and hope to continue to hone my skills. For now, I just want to see my animals, my husband, and finish my PhD in the next 2-3 years.

Thank you, East Pacific Rise.

So long and thanks for all the worms!