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R/V Endeavor |
GSO, state launch Rhode Island Endeavor Program
A recent five-day scientific expedition aboard the URI research vessel Endeavor was a milestone to the people of Rhode Island as well as the community of scientists and staff at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography.
The cruise was the Endeavor’s 400th scientific expedition since being launched in 1976. It was also the first one funded by the State of Rhode Island as part of the Rhode Island Endeavor Program, a new, state-supported initiative that provides Rhode Islanders with direct access to the scientific research and educational capabilities of an intermediate class research vessel.
“My congratulations to the crew of the Endeavor on its 400th expedition,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “This invaluable research vessel has been a wonderful ambassador for the University of Rhode Island and the Graduate School of Oceanography, as well as the State of Rhode Island. The important information gathered on these missions is priceless.”
The scientific objective of the 400th cruise was to determine the subsurface hydrographic structure of oceanic fronts on the continental shelf south of New England.
“Coastal fronts have a profound effect on biological productivity and other aspects of our local waters,” said Oceanography Dean David Farmer. “This was an exciting cruise that will contribute to our understanding of these important features. This cruise also marks the first in our state-supported activity—a clear signal of the Ocean State’s commitment to ocean research excellence.”
As part of the new state program and the URI Office of Marine Programs, Glen Modica, a science teacher from Cranston East High School, also participated in the cruise, providing him with shipboard experience that he can use to enliven and enrich the educational content of his classes.
“In addition to learning some new science, my main goal in taking this expedition is for my students to learn that ‘real science’ is happening right in their backyards,” said Modica. “To most high school students, most of what they learn is something that happens elsewhere, far away. I hope many will become enamored with the idea of studying the ocean or going out to sea on an adventure, and I hope this trip will help spread the word about the opportunities to conduct science in Rhode Island.”
The focus of the expedition was the newly discovered mid-shelf front that is found in water depths of approximately 50 meters. This front has recently been identified in surface temperature maps derived from satellite measurements, but its subsurface characteristics and the mechanism underlying its formation are unknown.
By Lisa Cugini
