ORV Sagar Kanya cruises in the equatorial Indian Ocean for 2005

VSN MURTY, NIO, India

Two cruises are planned. One for the hydrographic survey for multi-disciplinary observations (T, S, chlorophyll, in situ primary production, dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrients) and the other for servicing the Indian current meter moorings. In the later cruise, the PMEL/NOAA TAO moorings servicing is also proposed. Formal request for additional ship time of about 10 days for this purpose will have to be submitted to DOD.

The hydrographic survey will be carried out along 77E and 83E (Indian mooring sites) from 5N to 5S during 15 May - 15 June 2005 (tentatively). As per the request of Mike McPhaden (NOAA, USA), we will visit the TAO moooring sites at 0, 80.5E and 1.5S, 80.5E and will operate CTD upto 200 m depth (at 2 locations at each site) to calibrate the TAO mooring salintiy data with the CTD salintiy data. The stations along 77E and 83E will be occupied at 5N, 4N, 3N, 2N, 1.5N, 1.0N, 0.5N, 0, 0.5S, 1.0S, 1.5S, 2.0S, 3S, 4S and 5S. Water sampling will be done for chemical and biological studies. In situ PP surface floats will be operated at 6-8 stations in the vicinity of the equator. The port of embarkation and disembarkation and cruise schedule are not yet known and will be intimated soon after consulting DOD.

The second planned cruise will be in November 2005. The Indian current meter moorings at 77E, 83E and 93E will be serviced. The TAO moorings at 0, 80.5E; 1.5S, 80.5E and 0, 90E and the ADCP mooring at 0, 81E are proposed for servicing during this cruise. Also the disappeared TAO mooring at 1.5N, 80.5E will be replaced. An additional TAO mooring will be placed at 1.5N, 90E. The dates and ports of mbarkation/ disembarkation for this cruise are not yet known.

Proposed cruise tracks/targets for May-Dec 2005.