ITP85 Deployment Operations

The first Ice-Based Observatory (IBO) deployed during JOIS 2014, included ITP 85 with a SAMI pCO2 and SAMI pH clamped on the wire. In addition, a S-IMB and atmospheric chemistry O-Buoy were also deployed on the site while other scientists obtained detailed ice surveys, core samples, and made other measurements.

For this ice station, the ship was able to pull alongside the selected icefloe and gangway lowered so that personnel could walk to the floe rather than be transported by helicopter. Difficulties with one buoy that would not boot properly after installation required for that unit to be recovered and returned which significantly delayed the overall operations so that the ITP was not completely deployed until after the cold October dusk.

More information and photos on the deployment operations are also available at: https://archives.whoi.edu/beaufortgyre/www.whoi.edu/page.do@pid=138676.html.

The helicopter transfers gear for the second IBO deployment to the icefloe. (Photo by Rick Krishfield)

John Kemp pays out the ITP tether wire. (Photo by Rick Krishfield)

As dusk descends, the ship’s floodlight is used to light up the work site so that the ITP surface buoy can be installed. (Photo by Rick Krishfield)

Last personnel on the ice see the last equipment craned onto the ship. (Photo by Rick Krishfield)