Resources

RRS Discovery D350

Cruise summary report

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)RRS Discovery (74E3)
Cruise identifierD350
Cruise period2010-04-26 — 2010-05-09
StatusCompleted
Port of departureGovan, United Kingdom
Port of returnReykjavík, Iceland
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesThe primary production performed by microscopic photosynthetic organisms called phytoplankton living in the upper ocean forms a major component of the natural carbon cycle. Consequently, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the environmental factors driving variability in phytoplankton production. The availability of a variety of nutrients is thought to exert a fundamental control on phytoplankton growth in many parts of the ocean. Recent work by our group and some others has suggested that iron might even be playing a role in the high latitude North Atlantic, a region previously thought to be iron replete. D350 thus forms the first part of a 2 cruise operation planned to be undertaken during 2010, the second cruise being D354 in July-August. The overall programme (funded by a NERC standard grant) aims to significantly increase our understanding of iron biogeoschemistry in this important oceanic region. The two cruises were intended to sample important different phases of the seasonal cycle in a region which is typified by a large annual phytoplankton bloom which is responsible for significant carbon export from the upper ocean.

The RRS Discovery departed on cruise D350 from King George V dock, Govan, UK at 1215 on Monday 26th April 2010 and docked in Reykjavik Iceland after 14 days at sea on Sunday 9th May. During the cruise all scientific work was recorded on GMT and ship time was altered from BST (GMT+1hr) to GMT on 28th April.. A total of 9 stations were occupied from 29th April - 8th May 2010, with one shakedown station and 8 principal scientific sampling stations. After an initial long passage including the shakedown station and regularly underway sampling for nutrients, chlorophyll and trace metals, intensive over the side scientific work commenced on 1st May, with one major station being occupied daily from 1st May - 8th May inclusive. Once commenced at 1200 on 28th April underway sampling was maintained while off station at hourly intervals for all parameters other than metals, the latter being collected at 2 hourly intervals. In general, stations were commenced at night (typically between 2300 and 0300) and consisted of multiple CTD casts, using both a stainless steel and a titanium rosette frame, zooplankton net hauls, and Stand Alone Pump Systems (SAPS) deployments.

A trace metal clean tow fish was also deployed throughout the cruise starting at 0715 on 28th April with samples being collected every 2 hours whilst off station from 1200 on 28th April through to 8th May. Water from the epoxy coated fish was pumped directly into a clean chemistry container using a Teflon pump system through acid washed PVC tubing. A wide variety of samples were collected from both the underway supplies and during CTD stations. Although some parameters were measured at sea, the majority of samples will be returned to shore laboratories for analysis.

Experimental work was also performed on the cruise to measure the biological response to both artificial manipulation of the availability of the micronutrient iron and grazing pressure. Measurements of the uptake rate of various substrates was further performed using a variety of tracer techniques. The towed undulating sensor system Seasoar was also deployed twice on the cruise. An APEX float was also deployed during the cruise at the end of occupation of the second major station.
Chief scientistC Mark Moore (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)
ProjectFe biogeochem in high lat NA
Cruise reportRRS Discovery D350 cruise report d350_354.pdf (4.66 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W)
SpecificNorth Atlantic Ocean, Irminger and Iceland Basins.
Track chartsRRS Discovery D350 cruise track — d350trk.pdf (0.03 MB) 
Measurements 
Physical oceanography 
Surface measurements underway (T,S)Quantity: number of stations = 7
Description: 72 PIC,POC, Bsi samples from SAPS for analysis at home lab.
Surface measurements underway (T,S)Quantity: activity duration in days = 11
Description: Surface underway measurement system. T, S, chlorophyll fluorescence, transmittance
CTD stationsQuantity: number of stations = 11
Description: Titanium rosette framed CTD casts, multiple deployments at 9 stations. Sensors: T, S, pressure, chlorophyll fluorescence, transmittance, dissolved oxygen, LADCP, backscatter
CTD stationsQuantity: number of stations = 17
Description: Stainless steel rosette framed CTD casts, multiple deployments at 9 stations (see figure). Sensors: T, S, pressure, chlorophyll fluorescence, transmittance, dissolved oxygen, LADCP
Subsurface temperature and salinity measurementsQuantity: number of hauls = 2
Description: Seasoar data. T,S, pressure, chlorophyll fluorescence, phycocyanin fluorescence, phycoerythrin fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, PAR
Current profiler (eg ADCP)Quantity: activity duration in days = 11
Description: Shipboard ADCP measurements
Chemical oceanography 
OxygenQuantity: number of stations = 9
Description: Vertical profiles of dissolved oxygen analysed with a Metrohm Titrino using an amperometric end point detection.
PhosphateQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
PhosphateQuantity: number of samples = 8
Description: Aerosol samples, collected on acid-washed filters for Alex Baker (UEA) using a high-volume pump. As above, samples collected under favourable wind conditions over a period of not more than 48 hours. Filters stored frozen.
PhosphateQuantity: number of stations = 9
Description: Vertical profiles as well as underway samples and experimental samples were frozen for analysis by a segmented flow autoanalyser on shore.
Total - NQuantity: number of samples = 16
Description: SAPS (Stand Alone in-situ Pumping System) was used to collect size-fractionated particulate material.
Total - NQuantity: number of stations = 9
Description: Vertical profiles as well as underway samples and experimental samples were analysed on board using a Skalar San+ segmented flow autoanalyser.
Total - NQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
SilicateQuantity: number of stations = 9
Description: Vertical profiles as well as underway samples and experimental samples were analysed on board using a Skalar San+ segmented flow autoanalyser.
SilicateQuantity: number of samples = 340
Description: Chlorophyll pigment, filtered 137 UW stations + 17 CTD casts x 6 depths for total & >5micrometre fractions
SilicateQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
AlkalinityQuantity: number of stations = 6
Description: Deep water dissolved inorganic carbon/alkalinity profiles from the stainless steel CTD
Trace elementsQuantity: number of experiments = 6
Description: 15N stable isotope incubations on towed fish samples for pNO3 in response to Fe
Trace elementsQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
RadioactivityQuantity: number of experiments = 9
Description: 55Fe uptake experiments carried out for 9 experiments from the surface. 7 24 h experiments and 2 5 day experiments.
IsotopesQuantity: number of stations = 6
Description: Samples to resolve the vertical profile of dissolved isotopic silica were stored at 4oC and will be analysed ashore using a mass spectrometer.
IsotopesQuantity: number of experiments = 17
Description: 15N & 13C stable isotope incubations on water from 6 light depths from each of 17 shallow (~500m) stainless steel CTD dips.
IsotopesQuantity: number of stations = 6
Description: Samples to resolve the vertical profile of particulate isotopic silica were stored frozen and will be analysed ashore using a mass spectrometer.
Other chemical oceanographic measurementsQuantity: number of stations = 7
Description: 90 Th samples from rosette, Beta radioactivity on vertical profiles 0-500m depth
Other chemical oceanographic measurementsQuantity: number of stations = 6
Description: Deep water dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen sampled from the Stainless Steel CTD
Other chemical oceanographic measurementsQuantity: number of samples = 49
Description: Total Fe ligand concentration, TiCTD samples
Other chemical oceanographic measurementsQuantity: number of samples = 49
Description: Free Fe ligand concentration, TiCTD samples
Contamination 
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 97
Description: Total dissolvable aluminium concentrations, TiCTD samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 97
Description: Dissolved (<0.2um) aluminium concentrations, TiCTD samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 97
Description: Dissolved (<0.2um) iron concentrations, TiCTD samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 73
Description: Total dissolvable aluminium concentrations, underway samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 73
Description: Total dissolvable iron concentrations, underway samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 73
Description: Dissolved (<0.2um) iron concentrations, underway samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 97
Description: Total dissolvable iron concentrations, TiCTD samples
Trace metalsQuantity: number of samples = 73
Description: Dissolved (<0.2um) aluminium concentrations, underway samples
Biology and fisheries 
Phytoplankton pigs (eg chlorophyll, fluorescence)Quantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Biogenic silica, filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (6 depths)
Phytoplankton pigs (eg chlorophyll, fluorescence)Quantity: activity duration in days = 11
Description: Phytoplankton physiology measured using a Chelsea MKI FRRf ion underway system.
Phytoplankton pigs (eg chlorophyll, fluorescence)Quantity: number of samples = 200
Description: Phytoplankton physiology was measured using a Chelsea MKII FRRf. Samples were collected from (a) the ships non-toxic underway surface sea water system, (b) niskin bottles on a CTD,
Phytoplankton pigs (eg chlorophyll, fluorescence)Quantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
Particulate organic matter (inc POC, PON)Quantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Phytoplankton pigments, filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow (500m) CTD stations (6 depths)
Particulate organic matter (inc POC, PON)Quantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Particulate silica for isotopic measurements. Filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (6 depths)
Biochemical measurements (eg lipids, amino acids)Quantity: number of stations = 8
Description: Surface water vertical heme b profiles sampled from stainless steel CTD
Biochemical measurements (eg lipids, amino acids)Quantity: number of samples = 200
Description: Protein samples collected for analysis on GFF filters. Samples were colled from (a) the ships non-toxic underway surface sea water system, (b) niskin bottles on a CTD, including 2 depths in the range 0-100m and from the initial, 24hr and end points (5 days) of nutrient addition bioassay experiments.
Biochemical measurements (eg lipids, amino acids)Quantity: number of samples = 62
Description: Underway particulate heme b sampled from tow Fish
Biochemical measurements (eg lipids, amino acids)Quantity: number of stations = 8
Description: Dissolved and particulate siderophores in surface and deep waters sampled from the titanium CTD
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of stations = 3
Description: Samples taken from the underway supply whilst on station for kinetic silica uptake experiments were frozen for analysis ashore using a mass spectrometer.
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Scanning electron microscope, filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (6 depths)
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of samples = 50
Description: Preserved samples for phytoplankton enumeration.
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of samples = 100
Description: For microscope enumeration of phytoplankton, collected on PC filters. Filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (6 depths)
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of samples = 46
Description: Sea water samples from towed fish and titanium CTD casts for Pb isotope analysis.
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of samples = 200
Description: 200ml sea water samples preserved with Lugol's solution for subsequenct mircoscopic analysis. Samples were collected from (a) the ships non-toxic underway surface sea water system, (b) niskin bottles on a CTD.
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
PhytoplanktonQuantity: number of stations = 6
Description: Samples of vertical profiles of silica uptake by diatoms were frozen for analysis ashore using a mass spectrometer.
ZooplanktonQuantity: number of hauls = 19
Description: Zooplankton net hauls
ZooplanktonQuantity: number of experiments = 3
Description: Grazing experiments
ZooplanktonQuantity: number of experiments = 4
Description: Gut clearance experiments
Pelagic bacteria/micro-organismsQuantity: number of samples = 200
Description: Flow Cytometry (FCM) samples collected to assess the number and type of cells in the size fraction 1-10 micron. Samples were collected from (a) the ships non-toxic underway surface sea water system, (b) niskin bottles on a CTD
Pelagic bacteria/micro-organismsQuantity: number of experiments = 2
Description: Microzooplankton grazing incubation experiments: samples collected directly from TM clean Niskin bottles.
Pelagic bacteria/micro-organismsQuantity: number of samples = 10
Description: Aerosol samples, collected on 47mm polycarbonate and polypropylene filters, using low-volume (20-30L/min) pumps.
ZoobenthosQuantity: number of samples = 25
Description: CODFISH samples for in situ Hybridization. Filtered from 9 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (2-4 depths + non toxic supply)
Other biological/fisheries measurementQuantity: number of samples = 34
Description: Bulk environmental DNA samples for haptophyta biodiversity investigations. Filtered from 9 stainless steel shallow CTD stations (2-4 depths + non toxic supply)
Meteorology 
Routine standard measurementsQuantity: activity duration in days = 11
Description: Sea level pressure, Air temp/humidity, PAR, TIR, Wind speed and direction
Atmospheric chemistryQuantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Particulate inorganic carbon, filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow (500m) CTD stations (6 depths)
Atmospheric chemistryQuantity: number of samples = 100
Description: Particulate organic carbon & nitrogen, filtered from 17 stainless steel shallow (500m) CTD stations (6 depths)
Moorings, landers, buoys 
Physical oceanography 
CTD stations60° 3' 53" N  34° 56' 30" W — APEX float with CTD and backscatter sensor deployed while steaming off station 003 (location 'CIB2')
Neutrally buoyant floats60° 3' 53" N  34° 56' 30" W — APEX float with CTD and backscatter sensor deployed while steaming off station 003 (location 'CIB2')
Data held at BODC Get data
Series/Profiles 
34  Bottle station
Reference numbers
Vertical spatial coordinates
Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column
Silicate concentration parameters in the water column
Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column
Quality control flags
Reference numbers
Vertical spatial coordinates
Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column
Silicate concentration parameters in the water column
Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column
Quality control flags

BODC idDate/TimeLocationDoc.
19892872010-05-03 03:12 59° 59' 58" N  31° 59' 35" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989287
19893792010-05-07 02:06 61° 59' 30" N  20° 0' 24" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989379
19893802010-05-07 06:40 61° 59' 57" N  19° 59' 57" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989380
19894472010-05-01 22:33 60° 0' 10" N  35° 0' 19" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989447
19894112010-05-08 05:29 63° 7' 49" N  19° 54' 58" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989411
19892262010-04-29 13:10 59° 0' 26" N  24° 11' 48" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989226
19892632010-05-01 22:33 60° 0' 10" N  35° 0' 19" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989263
19893312010-05-05 04:00 59° 56' 38" N  26° 10' 50" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989331
19893922010-05-08 02:05 63° 8' 9" N  19° 54' 37" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989392
19894232010-04-29 13:10 59° 0' 26" N  24° 11' 48" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989423
19894962010-05-07 02:06 61° 59' 30" N  20° 0' 24" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989496
19895882010-05-08 09:38 63° 5' 16" N  19° 52' 32" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989588
19892992010-05-03 06:47 60° 0' 14" N  31° 58' 53" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989299
19895032010-05-08 02:05 63° 8' 9" N  19° 54' 37" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989503
19895272010-05-02 09:35 60° 2' 22" N  34° 57' 28" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989527
19892512010-05-01 06:52 60° 58' 18" N  34° 56' 57" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989251
19892752010-05-02 07:57 60° 1' 23" N  34° 57' 36" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989275
19894592010-05-03 03:12 59° 59' 58" N  31° 59' 35" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989459
19894722010-05-05 04:00 59° 56' 38" N  26° 10' 50" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989472
19892382010-05-01 04:45 60° 58' 54" N  34° 59' 23" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989238
19893182010-05-04 08:36 59° 59' 53" N  28° 59' 45" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989318
19893432010-05-05 07:15 59° 56' 6" N  26° 7' 28" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989343
19894602010-05-04 08:36 59° 59' 53" N  28° 59' 45" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989460
19894842010-05-06 04:02 60° 51' 23" N  21° 45' 54" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989484
19895152010-05-01 13:27 60° 56' 39" N  34° 52' 18" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989515
19893062010-05-04 06:32 59° 59' 25" N  28° 59' 46" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989306
19894352010-05-01 06:52 60° 58' 18" N  34° 56' 57" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989435
19895392010-05-03 12:00 60° 2' 52" N  32° 11' 44" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989539
19895402010-05-04 13:51 59° 58' 30" N  29° 1' 1" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989540
19895762010-05-07 10:40 61° 57' 24" N  20° 1' 58" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989576
19893552010-05-06 04:02 60° 51' 23" N  21° 45' 54" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989355
19893672010-05-06 07:18 60° 50' 46" N  21° 45' 4" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989367
19895522010-05-05 11:37 59° 54' 26" N  26° 2' 20" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989552
19895642010-05-06 00:00 60° 50' 35" N  21° 44' 32" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1989564
28  CTD/STD cast
Reference numbers
Transmittance and attenuance of the water column
Salinity of the water column
Temperature of the water column
Vertical spatial coordinates
Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column
Density of the water column
Chlorophyll pigment concentrations in water bodies
Reference numbers
Transmittance and attenuance of the water column
Salinity of the water column
Temperature of the water column
Vertical spatial coordinates
Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column
Density of the water column
Chlorophyll pigment concentrations in water bodies

BODC idDate/TimeLocationDoc.
12286422010-04-29 13:10:39  — 2010-04-29 13:34:50 59° 0' 14" N  24° 11' 48" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228642
12286912010-05-02 08:01:02  — 2010-05-02 08:17:59 60° 1' 24" N  34° 57' 35" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228691
12287222010-05-04 06:34:45  — 2010-05-04 06:51:09 59° 59' 23" N  28° 59' 45" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228722
12288992010-05-04 04:33:55  — 2010-05-04 04:38:40 59° 59' 45" N  29° 0' 2" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228899
12287092010-05-03 03:15:12  — 2010-05-03 04:03:07 59° 59' 57" N  31° 59' 51" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228709
12287952010-05-07 02:09:24  — 2010-05-07 02:51:46 61° 59' 11" N  20° 0' 39" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228795
12288382010-04-29 15:14:28  — 2010-04-29 15:34:56 59° 0' 14" N  24° 11' 48" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228838
12288632010-05-01 13:30:32  — 2010-05-01 14:34:28 60° 56' 24" N  34° 52' 16" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228863
12289312010-05-06 12:04:51  — 2010-05-06 12:57:47 60° 50' 41" N  21° 44' 33" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228931
12286542010-05-01 04:45:57  — 2010-05-01 05:00:25 60° 58' 46" N  34° 59' 22" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228654
12287102010-05-03 06:49:37  — 2010-05-03 07:03:19 60° 0' 8" N  31° 58' 48" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228710
12287462010-05-05 04:03:05  — 2010-05-05 04:47:30 59° 56' 33" N  26° 11' 44" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228746
12288142010-05-08 02:08:55  — 2010-05-08 02:37:24 63° 8' 8" N  19° 54' 34" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228814
12286782010-05-01 22:36:35  — 2010-05-01 23:49:58 60° 0' 11" N  35° 0' 19" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228678
12288022010-05-07 06:44:11  — 2010-05-07 06:59:31 61° 59' 46" N  20° 0' 16" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228802
12287582010-05-05 07:17:51  — 2010-05-05 07:30:54 59° 56' 2" N  26° 7' 24" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228758
12287832010-05-06 07:20:08  — 2010-05-06 07:35:58 60° 50' 45" N  21° 45' 3" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228783
12288262010-05-08 05:31:54  — 2010-05-08 05:47:24 63° 7' 40" N  19° 54' 55" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228826
12288872010-05-03 11:59:18  — 2010-05-03 12:51:13 59° 59' 25" N  31° 55' 52" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228887
12289182010-05-05 11:38:03  — 2010-05-05 12:23:28 59° 54' 10" N  26° 2' 23" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228918
12289552010-05-08 09:42:36  — 2010-05-08 10:12:46 63° 4' 58" N  19° 52' 53" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228955
12286662010-05-01 06:53:46  — 2010-05-01 07:52:15 60° 58' 10" N  34° 56' 54" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228666
12287342010-05-04 08:38:21  — 2010-05-04 09:07:10 59° 59' 47" N  28° 59' 44" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228734
12288752010-05-02 09:35:16  — 2010-05-02 10:34:47 60° 2' 27" N  34° 57' 28" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228875
12289062010-05-04 13:55:40  — 2010-05-04 14:27:24 59° 58' 22" N  29° 1' 2" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228906
12289432010-05-07 10:44:46  — 2010-05-07 11:28:41 61° 56' 40" N  20° 2' 33" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228943
12287712010-05-06 04:05:01  — 2010-05-06 04:53:35 60° 51' 11" N  21° 45' 53" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228771
12288512010-05-01 03:07:33  — 2010-05-01 03:11:22 60° 59' 33" N  35° 0' 22" W  View metadata report for BODC series reference number 1228851
Discrete samples 
72  All plastic clean surface pumped supplyTotal metal concentrations in water bodies
Dissolved metal concentrations in the water column
17  CTD frame plus rosette samplerSalinity of the water column
Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column
Silicate concentration parameters in the water column
Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column
144  Sample taken from ship's non-toxic supply
11  Total metal concentrations in water bodies
Salinity of the water column
Silicate concentration parameters in the water column
Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column
Dissolved metal concentrations in the water column