In the next two weeks, GeoLog has the pleasure to host reports from Teachers at Sea. This educational programme, co-sponsored by the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and the French Polar Insitute (IPEV), gives school teachers the opportunity to take part in oceanographic cruises with scientists. This year, Sandrine Vivier and Ana Sánchez, teachers of Biology and Geology in Rodez (France) and Madrid (Spain), respectively, together with EGU’s Education Chair Carlo Laj, join scientists on board of the Marion Dufresne. The research vessel is navigating the South China Sea where teachers will work alongside scientists in collecting marine sediments to retrieve the secrets of deep ocean circulation and understand past variations of the Asian Monsoon.
Report 1: Welcome aboard the Marion Dufresne!
After a long trip from our countries, we arrived in Singapore where we met EGU’s Carlo Laj and Catherine Kissel (Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l´Environnement LSCE). Yesterday [16/06] morning, we were picked up from the large port of Singapore and travelled in small boats to the Marion Dufresne, which was waiting for us in the middle of the bay.
The Marion Dufresne (above) and sea conditions (below).
Discovering this famous scientific boat has been an amazing experience. Carlo showed us around the vessel and we had the opportunity to learn a bit about how the ship works.
We left from the bay of Singapore in the evening with a lovely sunset. The captain closed all the doors because, just an hour after departure, the alert level was raised due to risk of a pirate attack! Fortunately, no attack happened and we are sill alive and well. The trip continues with the Marion Dufresne progressing towards the first coring site at a speed of 13,6 knots (about 25 kilometres per hour).
Singapore at sunset.
Stay tuned for the next updates!
By Sandrine Vivier and Ana Sánchez
