With the completion of the first cruise in 2022 (Cruise ID: KK2201), R/V TKK has returned to her homeport Xiamen.
R/V TKK. Photo: Qiuling Liu
During the 55-day cruise, R/V TKK sailed nearly 7220 nautical miles, and scientific surveys on the geology and geophysics in South China Sea (SCS) were successfully completed.
Associated with magnetometers, a suite of Kongsberg echo sounders, including the full ocean depth multibeam echosounder, the medium water multibeam echosounder, the sub-bottom profiler, and the marine gravimeter, was utilized to carry out continuous geophysical observations. Besides, sediment samples were collected by using box sampler and gravity corer onboard. At some key stations, CTD casts, deployments of Argo profiling floats, and XCTD casts were conducted to collect temperature-salinity-depth data throughout the water column.
Technical support provided by STS. Photo: Qi Gao
Xuewen Wu, STS’s chief marine technician at Marine Operations (XMU), together with the other six experienced and skillful engineers, provided reliable and satisfactory technical support for observations and investigations. In addition to superb work in ocean operations, they also did a great job on data collection as well as cruise report compiling.
Technical support provided by STS. Photo: Qi Gao
“Kah Kee Forum” was launched onboard during the cruise, committed to promoting informed and interdisciplinary dialogues among cruise participants. A series of seven lectures were delivered by five speakers altogether, including Huizhong He, chief scientist of this cruise, Jinyao Gao, Yang Liu, Hao Zheng, and Xuewen Wu. The lectures covered a range of topics, such as the application and development of technologies in marine geology and geophysics, China’s marine research capacity, and the evolvement of China’s scientific research vessels. The Forum provided a platform for cruise participants to exchange knowledge and polish up their sea-going operational skills.
“Kah Kee Forum” launched onboard. Photo: Qi Gao
After a short break, R/V TKK will soon embark on a new scientific expedition to the western Pacific. It will be a new chapter in the oceanographic exploration.
