Student cruise: Observing techniques for Physical Oceanographers Cruise No. AL529

Oct. 07 2019 – Oct. 10, 2019 Kiel (Germany) – Kiel (Germany) MNF-Pher-110The main purpose of the ALKOR cruise AL529 was the training of students in observational techniques applied by physical oceanographers. The students who participated in the trip attend the module "Measurement Methods of Oceanography" which is offered in the Bachelor program "Physics of the Earth System" at CAU Kiel. During the AL529 the students were instructed in instrument calibration and in the interpretation of measurement data at sea. In addition, the students had the opportunity to learn about working and living at sea and to explore and study the impact of physical processes in the western Baltic Sea, the sea at their doorstep. The observations show a quasi-synoptic picture of the hydrography and currents in the western Baltic Sea. Twice-repeated hydrographic and current sections across the Fehmarn Belt show well the short time scales where significant changes occur. A zonal section along the deepest topography, from about 10°40'E to 014°21'E, shows very nicely the two-layer system of outflowing low salinity and inflowing North Sea water. A bottom shield anchorage shows the currents in the water column and the near-bottom temperature and salinity variations in the Fehmarnbelt area.