Emma 2014-07-26 03:30

Now that our intense area for water column filtrations are covered we are moving into potential hotspot areas for the methane group, we could encounter methane slope hydrates, and I am fully recruited by the methane team again. We have several stations in a row with shorter transit time in between and sampling from the CTD-rosette. We are watching the internal communication screens in the lab and as approaching station we found out that the depth at one station we had planned to sample was actually deeper than we thought. The first mate had parked the Oden on a spot we thought was 1000 m deep, but it turns out to be 1500 m deep, so the chief scientist had to be woken up for a decision on what to do. There is a lot of time management to work with in situations like this. To send the CTD down at a station that is 1000 meters take 1 hour down and 1 hour up. To take one at 1500 m instead takes 1.5 hours up/down, thus a delay of one hour, plus repositioning time. Everything is on a limited time schedule. Of course we have also planned to take a station at a particular depth, at a certain part of the slope that is most interesting. In the end the decision was to reposition to a new 1000 m station. Once again we list the pros and cons and change the plans, adjust to the situation, adjust to nature. The bridge alerts the responsible people in each working group that are on call, and the information spreads about the new plans to the ones on the watch.

The winch is started, the CTD is on its way down to the deep. The drum mourns with every turn it has to do and there is a very deep and slow rhythmical noise, almost like someone breathing or snoring heavily underneath, sending vibrations straight into the lab. In other words - a night watch during a typical working day at the ice breaker Oden on research mission in the middle of the Laptev Sea. Expect the unexpected.

Today we had SUN!  I got up and the sky was bright blue. M in the crew said – what is this colour called?? I haven´t seen it in a fortnight… upon which we were all laughing of course.

We sat out on the deck for a few minutes before getting to work, because when the sun is out it goes away really quickly. The weather often changes rapidly. A half hour later the blue was filled with neat cloud formations and even a sun halo!




Emma 2014-07-26 – 09:00

I was asked before we departed Tromsö what I expected from this expedition. I confirmed today to a colleague that I did not expect it to be like this. Certain things are exactly like I could have imagined, but other things are not. The major thing that emerges is that I have met so many new interesting people. I have also come a lot closer to some people that I already knew. A few people I have not talked much to, especially the ones not on my shift schedule of course. Some unhappy or upset faces at times, but they drown in the ocean of nice words, thoughtful phrases, pats on the shoulder, hugs and nice gestures in the group that I work within. We stick together and help each other out. We focus on the positive things and talk to each other in a friendly tone. I also see the responsibility of people in charge, inquiring about the atmosphere, talking to people who needs support.

The crew also looks after us. They are very professional and calm, and keep a caring eye on us. They have been to sea before, they have a lot of experience, (so has of course a lot of the scientist too, but it is easy to be absorbed by the work tasks you are assigned and you can´t do everything, :)

The crew is really golden by the way. So many professional smiley faces that really keep up to the measure. P coming around to fix pumps, sea water intake, spare metal parts and what have you. A. with great ideas, solutions on everything technology-wise. AL. helping out with practicalities like water, hosing, cleaning of the deck and all of the other little things that we need. All of you! You are great! Thanks.

In the midst of this we are still trying to beat Oden to Barrow. Since we are clever people we now figured a way to maybe make it! Oden tramples along on a sampling path, but we will head straight for Barrow! Then we short cut our distance by quite a bit. You can´t be daft if you are clever.




During the rowing and running and spinning some of us are also enjoying other forms of training. Some are boxing, wrestling, weight lifting and we brought a video of our favourite class from the training section at the Stockholm University. An Afro power dance class. Angelie and SSIF (Stockholms Studenters Idrottsförening) agreed to have us film one class for the purpose of using it ourselves on the Oden for training. We have had it a few times already but now during the hectic bits it has been tricky to coordinate a good time. I have done the class myself though when I have had the luxury of the gym to myself – which is easiest just before the start of my night shift. By now I know all the movements and can really tire myself out in the hour long class. It is really a great feeling to stretch out and use oyur whole body as you do in this afro power dance. You leave with more energy, but exhausted.