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Seafloor Characterization of the U.S. Caribbean |
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Day 1: 2.1.2005
Nancy Foster Mission Cruise Update #2
The Nancy Foster and her crew began mid-water mapping and seafloor Characterization activities in and around the Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix, USVI) at 0830 on Tuesday, February 1. Once under way, the first priority was to conduct a “patch test” to verify the alignment differences between the sonar and the 3-D motion of the ship. The calibration was conducted by running reciprocal lines over flat bottom, and also up a slope over a distinct reef feature within Lang Bank on the East side of St. Croix. Water depths were approximately 25 meters. These correction factors are necessary to maintain a high standard of quality and accuracy in the multibeam sonar data.
Figure 1, the Chief Bosun prepares to deploy the multibeam pole for surveying.
Once the team of hyrdrographers were satisfied with the results of the multibeam calibration, the ship steamed to Buck Island and began surveying the Channel. Two multibeam survey lines were successfully completed by sunset, and Remotely Operated Vehicle operations began. Figure 1, Scott and Jay conduct a CTD cast at Buck Island (see Island in Background).
Figure 2, bathymetry (greyscale) of a Patch reef (coral) in Buck Island Channel with NOAA air photo in the background. The patch reef is surrounded by a sand halo, and it by a seagrass bed.
Figure 3, sunset off St. Croix. Paradise…