A sediment core is a time capsule that encompasses details about the past ocean and the climate. Sub-sampling such a time capsule at the core repository at the University of Bremen, Germany with the kind collaboration of Prof. Kalle-Heinz Baumann 

Our Phd student, Ms. Prabodha Hewage is working with Dr. Maria Luz Meija at MARUM, Germany to separate coccoliths into different size fractions. 

The PI, Dr Blanca Ausin with the PhD candidate Ms Prabodha Lakrani, and the Technical assistant Ms. Celia Gomez after a successful testing with the sediment trap. 

Knowing the instrument, before its long destined journey begins..The scientific crew at PASSAGE is eagerly getting it ready for deployment.

Sediment traps can be moored on the ocean for a prolonged period at a desired depth. They will actively collect particles that sink to the ocean bottom. 

Seabird CT recorders are capable of recording ambient conductivity and temperature of the ocean waters. 

We count on the continuous and diligent support of  Flota Oceanográfica Española (FLOTA) and the Unidad de Tecnología Marina (UTM) from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) for the successful completion of PASSAGE.

Part of pre-cruise fun is assembling, checking, re-checking that the mooring list is completed!

These gigantic buoys will aid our mooring system to stay afloat at the desired depth.

B/O Ramón Margalef, an Oceanographic and Fisheries vessel of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), would be the home for our scientific crew at PASSAGE for a two-week period on December 2023. It is 46.70 meters in length fully equipped for oceanographic research and best suited for the scope of PASSAGE23. 

IODP 378 second post-cruise meeting was held at the University of Salamanca, led by Dr. Blanca Ausin and the Oceanic Geosciences group.

IODP 378 second-post cruise meeting participants  enjoying their day at Zumaia, the geological park.