Final stage of the last two projects of the oceanographic research ship ‘Hespérides’

The oceanographic research ship ‘Hespérides’ is participating in the final stage of two research studies: the European project Carbochange, and the National Plan project Doremi which are simultaneously being carried out during her cruise back home from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Cartagena. In those projects, data has been collected in the water surface and sea bottom in 110 stations.

The first project is chaired by the scientist from the Marine Research Institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) Aida Fernandez Rios. It has analyzed the temporal evolution of carbon of human origin and the absorption capacity of carbon dioxide in the Atlantic Ocean.

The other project is led by Celia Marrasé Peña, from the Barcelona Sea Science Institute (CSIC), and studies the biological and biogeochemical mechanisms which limit the total mineralization of the organic carbon dissolved in the marine systems.

The ‘Hespérides’ left Punta Arenas on March 20th after embarking 17 scientists in charge of the campaign. The ship crossed the Strait of Magellan and headed towards the first survey area, the northwestern coast of the Malvinas (Falkland Islands).

The main instrument used in these projects is the so-called CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth). This equipment has different sensors to collect data and water samples at different depths for subsequent analysis in the different ship’s labs. Maximum collection depth is 7,000 m.

The ‘Hespérides’ set sail from her home port on November 13th 2012 to participate in the 19th Antarctic Campaign and is scheduled to arrive back on May 22nd.