Josephine bank, 36 ° 08´´ N, 14 °37´´ W

Arrived at Josephine, we start working at 6h AM on the 15th of September. In each station there is a work sequence that must be done. Therefore, after the dive of the microprofiler (our Josefina), it's time to use the Rosette equipped with a CTD and 12 Niskin bottles (that collect water at different depth levels). The results given by the CTD (in real time) allow us to determine the DCM (Deep Chlorophyll Maximum), which is, the depth on the water column were the phytoplankton accumulates and has the highest fluorescence. The DCM is of extreme importance to decision making regarding water collection at several depths.

The smallest portion of plankton, the microbial plankton, is also a study target of the project BIOMETORE. The microbial plankton is composed by bacteria, archaea and protists, and it constitutes an essential regulator for the biogeochemical cycles, directly affecting how marine ecosystems work. Since it is only possible to evaluate its biodiversity through molecular techniques, strict asepsis measures are required for this study. In order to do so, one of the RV Noruega laboratories was transformed into a lab worthy of being in the CSI series, where forensic science rules. The water collected at different depths by the Niskin bottles is then carefully filtered. Afterwards, the DNA of these communities will be extracted from the filters, and the obtained sequences will be cautiously examined.

We will continue to share the news from this campaign. See You soon!