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RRS Discovery D360

Cruise summary report

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)RRS Discovery (74E3)
Cruise identifierD360
Cruise period2011-01-19 — 2011-02-02
StatusCompleted
Port of departureSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Port of returnSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesThere were five main objectives for the trials cruise: The first tests of the Autosub Long Range AUV, testing of the HyBIS video guided grab system, testing of the MYRTLE-X Lander systems, testing of a deep camera system for the Lake Ellsworth probe and test deployments of the PELAGRA neutrally buoyant sediment capture drifters.
The working area was about 300 miles south west of the Canary Islands, in international waters, over benthic plains of 4000 m depth, with some tests of the video systems over a isolated sea mount rising to 1200 m depth. Most of the objectives of the cruise where met, with successful diving and control of the Autosub LR, tests of the HyBIS and Ellsworth camera systems, and 3 test deployments and recoveries of two PELAGRA floats. Several wire tests of MYRTLE-X systems were carried out, predominantly successful, but concerns over the release system prevented a deployment of the lander.
The tests were all purely engineering, hence no science data were collected.
Chief scientistStephen D McPhail (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)
ProjectOceans 2025, Theme 8
Coordinating bodyNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Cruise reportRRS Discovery D360 cruise report d360.pdf (4.19 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W)
Specific300 miles southwest of the Canary Islands