Learn more about the research blog by visiting: "Expedition to the ETSP – 2013"

Geosciences chair Bess Ward and her research group continue to write and upload images from their real-time logs from the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer. The research cruise is on a 5-week mission to measure various aspects of the nitrogen cycle off the coasts of Peru and Chile.  Members from five countries make up the international team of scientists, including 6 members from the Ward Lab.  It is thrilling to learn about the research as it happens from the ship's quarters. The images reflect how engrossed the crew are in their research processes. 

Here is an excerpt from one of Ward's posting, including images from Nick Peng:

"My own main project here is to measure the rates of denitrification and anammox, the two bacterial pathways by which fixed nitrogen is lost in the ocean.  This involves incubating a lot of seawater with stable isotopes of nitrogen and measuring the gases and other nitrogen compounds produced. The seawater is incubated in big silver bags, which are composed of two layers of plastic and a metal layer.  Think giant Capri Sun."

Related article: Ward Lab Crew on the 2013 ETSP Research Cruise to Chile and Peru