Scientists and researchers aboard RV TKK accomplished the planned scientific operations of the NSFC Open Research Cruise in the central SCS (NORC2024-06) and returned to Xiamen in late October.

This cruise were spilt into two legs, Comprehensive Biogeochemical Cruise Leg (KK2408), and Geological+Geophysical+Biogeochemical Cruise Leg (KK2409). 124 over-the-side operations were conducted at 35 stations during the KK2408 cruise, including CTD casts and deployments of multi-net plankton samplers. The subsequent KK2409 cruise featured a variety of operations at 15 stations, such as trace metals sampling, in situ LVPs, box corer, gravity cores, and geographic survey lines. Notably, four of these stations required extended operations, each lasting over 20 hours.

Amid the demanding scientific operations, Tan Kah Kee Forums were held during the cruises, where a vibrant intellectual atmosphere was fostered.

Photos: Zhanghan Deng, Hongmei Chen, Feipeng Xu

Revised by MarOps