Equatorial Processes

We propose to conduct a 20 day cruise to the Eastern Equatorial Pacific as the basis for a graduate-level seminar-style course on equatorial processes and how they are studied. The course will have three emphases: 1) the unique atmospheric and oceanographic processes that occur at equatorial latitudes, 2) atmospheric and oceanographic research methods at sea, and 3) how the collection, analysis, and dissemination of oceanographic knowledge can be made more accessible and inclusive. During the ship’s 8-day transit to the equatorial region, the science party will be focused on student-led class discussions on the course content. Students will then translate these lessons into practice through individual and small-group research projects over a 2,445 km research transect spanning the equator at 117.5° W. These projects will include 1) an investigation into how barite microcrystal size and morphology varies across the equatorial primary productivity gradient, 2) measurements of core top marine barite strontium/calcium ratios to support the reconstruction of paleo seawater chemistry, and 3) sampling of atmospheric particulate matter to investigate transcontinental dust transport dynamics and changes in composition with latitude. Students will also conduct daily observations of changing surface oceanography and biological communities during the research transect. These observations will be quantified and incorporated into video blogs produced throughout the cruise and shared with the Scripps Communication Office. Additionally, students will participate in think tank discussions to develop methods for making ocean science more transparent and accessible to the general public.