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TRASNA Blog – Day 10


TRASNA Blog – Day 10

Written by:
Rachel Wireman
Geologist
College of Charleston, USA


Unrelated to seafloor mapping or seabird and mammal surveys, another scientist on board is helping a colleague who remained on land with his research. James Barry, representing the Geologic Survey of Ireland, is working on testing a colleagues’ prototype while on board the Explorer. Specifically, he’s testing the Greenlight Surveys Ltd company’s ReCCE (Remote Consultation and Communication of Expertise) Pack. He’ll be conducting experiments throughout the cruise to show proof of concept for the prototype. The aim of the pack is to provide situational and environmental awareness for the remote operator. An instrument of this kind could prove to be invaluable to scientists offshore where tech support is often unreachable.

So far, there has been successful communication to Dublin from the mid-Atlantic using the ReCCE pack that resulted in solving an IT issue from the dry lab, an overview of the Sparker system set up from the wet lab and analyses of mid-Atlantic rock samples using a microscope in the conference room. Ultimately, the goal is to attach a multitude of different sensors (humidity, temperature, microscope, etc.) so that the remote operator can have as much information as possible about the situation of the actual backpack wearer in real time.

As the final hours on board the R/V Celtic Explorer approach – and land finally comes into sight – it’s easy to reflect upon what a uniquely awesome experience this TRASNA leg has been. Between multibeam mapping, seismic surveying, rock dredging, and buoy servicing, a marine scientist can really experience a little bit of everything upon the Celtic Explorer.

 


Three students aboard on scholarship stand in front of the R/V Celtic Explorer holding their certificates of completion immediately after docking in Galway.

 



Images show workflow information for the ReCCE Pack.