-Validation of surface salinity measurements using drifting buoys. Three models of drifting buoys (17 buoys in all) were deployed in the Bay of Biscay on 2 April (R/V Thalassa trip) and on 2-3 May (COSMOS1 aboard Côtes de la Manche). This involved passing close to the buoys, taking samples, TSG measurements and CTD hauls to validate the data. Two sections taken by CTD probe in front structure eddy (for the CONGAS programme). Retrieval of a prototype PROVOR-CTS3 float deployed in May by the Côte d'Aquitaine vessel. 9 CTD sensors to be attached to elephant seals were tested (mounted on SBE25 CTD during profiles). This falls under the COSMOS project, headed by J. Boutin and G. Reverdin.

Identifying possible bioconstructions and other geo-morphological structures of interest. Biological fish studies and hidrographic sampling (CTD) over the seamounts

CTD

Monthly survey to study thermohaline and biological characterization of water masses in the East-North Atlantic.

The RRS Discovery cruise 304 was conducted from 12 May to 6 June 2005 from and to Santa Cruz (Tenerife). The cruise was completed as part of the NERC founded RAPID programme to monitor the meridional overturning circulation at 26 N. The primary purpose was to service the eastern boundary and Mid-Atlantic Ridge part of the 26 N mooring array which had previously been serviced during the RRS Charles Darwin cruises 170 and 177. 12 moorings were successfully recovered, however two of the shallow eastern boundary moorings failed to release. Intense fishing activity at these sites is likely to be the cause. 12 mooring and four bottom pressure landers were re-deployed. Data from two bottom mounted inverted echosounders was uploaded via acoustic telemetry. A total of 10 CTD casts to calibrate the mooring sensors were carried out and 3 Argo floats (from the UK Met Office) were launched. The moored sensors are CTD loggers for the most part but also bottom pressure sensors, different types of current meters and inverted echosounders are used to determine the strength and structure of the meridional overturning circulation.

Participation in validating the CAROLS airborne L band radiometer, during flights on ATR42. CTD/LADCP stations performed on repeated sections around the Bay of Biscay and calibration of CTD tags intended for deployment on sea elephants. The related projects are CAROLS, SMOS (TOSCA/CNES and ESA), EPIGRAM (LEFE/IDAHO).

Identifying possible bioconstructions and other geo-morphological structures of interest. Biological fish studies and hidrographic sampling (CTD) over the seamounts

CTD

CTD

CTD