The first part of the cruise focused on processes in the Labrador Sea. In this region large heat fluxes in winter cause deep ocean convection concentrated in the central Labrador Sea. This usually occurs in February / March, and is measured by ADCPs and T/S sondes in moored stations; lately, oxygen sensors and PCO2 measurements are also included to investigate CO2 uptake during convection. A large number of convective "plumes" will then form a larger scale convective patch and the integral properties (e.g., its mean temperature and salinity) can be observed by CTD and tracer measurements in the successive summer. Profiling and neutrally buoyant floats drifting through the area complement these measurements.
The second part of the cruise was dedicated to the boundary current system which plays an important role in exporting newly formed water masses from their formation region to the open North Atlantic and farther toward the subtropical regime. Two boundary current arrays with current meters and T/S probes are used to determine the transport of deep water masses at the exit of the Labrador Sea, and at the transition of the subpolar to the subtropical regime (at the Tail of the Grand Banks). These long term records (up to 8years by now) are supplemented by boundary current sections with LADCP and underway measurements of upper ocean currents (shipboard ADCPs).
Altogether, we recovered 10 current meter (sound source) moorings, and deployed 5 moorings, as planned. We experienced above normal data return und no instrument losses in the moorings.
Summarizing, the mooring work and the CTD / LADCP work were very successful. The competent work by Captain Michel Delbarre and his crew, and the very kindly and pleasant atmosphere on board Thalassa contributed a lot to this success.
