Cruise Report C-140A : Sea experience, scientific activities undertaken aboard SSV Corwith Cramer, Woods Hole, MA - Woods Hole, August 8 - 17, 1995

Abstract

This cruise report outlines the scientific research and academic program conducted on board SSV Corwith Cramer during Cruise C-140A. The cruise was designed to introduce teachers to a wide variety of shipboard oceanographic techniques and to provide them with a broad multidisciplinary overview of the marine environment. The SEA Experience program is funded by the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Education and Human Resources, through the Teacher Enhancement Program, with additional funding from the Pew Charitable Trust, the William H. Donner Foundation, and the teacher's school districts. The teachers actively participated in deploying oceanographic gear, in analyzing the samples collected and in compiling and interpreting data. In addition, their understanding and respect for the skills necessary to operate a vessel at sea was greatly enhanced by their roles as crew members on board the Corwith Cramer. Navigating and maneuvering the vessel to each oceanographic station, the teachers steered, worked the sails and determined the vessel's location throughout the cruise. Their practical experience was supplemented by lectures and demonstrations by SEA's staff. During our ten-day cruise, we traveled over 500 nautical miles, collected hourly surface temperature readings and completed several major oceanographic stations, obtaining a variety of samples. This cruise was characterized by the most beautiful weather and sea conditions in memory, perfect for sampling and sailing, despite the threat of Hurricane Felix. I would like to thank the staff and teachers for the tremendous effort they put forth in accomplishing the scientific and educational missions of Cruise C-140A.