Summary Information for Field Activity 1978-018-FA

Area of Operations: South Carolina shelf, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: July 13, 1978 to July 14, 1978

Chief scientist: Brad Butman

Objectives: The WHITEFOOT cruise was part of a continuing study of currents and sediment transport on the U.S. east coast continental shelf. The purpose of the cruise was to recover 2 bottom tripods and deploy 1 tripod on the South Carolina shelf, to conduct hydrographic observations (XBT), to relight 2 surface marker buoys at the tripod site locations, and to obtain samples of surface sediments at the tripod locations.

Type of Activity: Mooring work;

Information to be derived: Time series data;

Summary: Mooring condition: The tripod had moderate biological growth on the frame and instrument housings. The camera window had several barnacles and a light coating of slime. The transmissometer prism also had a light coating of slime. Some aluminum oxide corrosion had formed on the transmissometer light port. The current rotor and vane were free. There was some difficulty in recovering the tripod through a rear A-frame installed on the WHITEFOOT. The current sensor was damaged on recovery. Although it took several minutes to get the tripod aboard, quick visual observation of the instrument in the water showed several fish inhabiting the savonius rotor current sensor. Crabs, one small octopus, and several fish also inhabited the corner box frames, open structural pipes, and top lifting plate of the tripod. The camera strobe would not fire on deck, indicating malfunction or low batteries. Moorings recovered: 1 (#147 deployed FA 78009 ISELIN Apr. 10-15, 1978). Moorings deployed: 2 (#152 recovered FA 78039 ISELIN Nov. 14-17, 1978; and #153 recovered FA 78038 WHITEFOOT Dec. 13, 1978). Surface salinity samples: 10; Surface grab samples: 2; XBT: 10.

Contact: Brad Butman (bbutman@usgs.gov)

InfoBank: uses the identifier W-1-78-SE. Visit this site for more information.

Related Links: