ODF: Techs for Hire

There are four techs onboard from Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Oceanographic Data Facility (ODF). We are multi-purpose – running analyses, collecting samples, helping with deck operations and managing the huge amounts of data collected during the cruise. 

Left: Melissa draws oxygen samples. Center: Melissa with the nutrient rig. Right: Susan keeps riff-raff out of the analytical lab.

ODF is in charge of the nutrient and oxygen analysis taking place in the analytical lab, just forward of the main lab. Nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate) are analyzed by splitting the water sample into four sets of glass coils, one for each analyte. Reagents are added and the resulting chemical reaction causes a color change proportional to the nutrient concentration as measured with a photometer. The analysis of dissolved oxygen encompasses photometric end-point detection based on the absorption of ultra-violet light.

Left: Alex checks the titration endpoint. Right: Mary, data-wrangler extraordinaire.

We work in 12 hour shifts, one nutrient and one oxygen analyst per shift so that samples are run as quickly as possible after they come up from the depths. Having the data to look at so quickly helps us see if there are any problems with the bottles or carousel before they’re put back in the water. Our data tech maintains an internal website where all the groups upload their data and can plot theirs with that of other groups onboard. Data from the CTD and other sensors on the rosette are also quickly uploaded to this site for easy comparison with the bottle data. Keeping up with data is a constant task when there are so many different groups of scientists on board all studying the same water for their various, inter-related properties.

There are other technicians on this cruise from our broader department, Shipboard Technical Support, including members of the electronics group, restechs (resident technicians) and computing resources group, who run deck ops, analyze samples and keep all the shipboard computers running smoothly.

Alex helps with CTD recovery

Back on shore we do much of the same work, along with other instrument and support services. We have offices and labs in a building on the SIO campus and at the Marine Facility in Point Loma, where the SIO research vessel fleet is tied up. Sometimes we go out to sea in a group, like on this cruise, and sometimes it’s just one of us that is needed for a job. On average we spend about 100 days at sea every year, though it’s sometimes a lot more.

by Melissa Miller