Summary for Field Activity Number 81038

Alternate Leg ID: OC108 LEGS 1 & 2; BLM M-2; BTF M-2

Area of Operations: Georges Bank, Lydonia Canyon, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: November 9, 1981 to November 20, 1981

Chief scientist: Richard Rendigs
   Michael Rawson - LDGO

Objectives: Cruise BLM M-2 was the second in the seasonal sampling series to collect infauna and benthic sediment samples to be used as baseline analyses for the Georges Bank Lease Sale No. 42 Environmental Monitoring Program. The major emphasis of the program will determine the extent of deposition and accumulation of toxic materials as a result of oil drilling activities and any subsequent effects on the benthic biota.

Type of Activity: Sampling

Information to be derived: Time series data
Samples and Chemical Analysis

Summary: The cruise, due to some weather problems, was accomplished in two legs: Leg 1, 11/09/82 - 11/15/81; Leg 2, 11/17/81 - 11/20/81. The major portion of the data collection were sediment grab samples for chemical and biological analysis. The actual number of samples varied for the regional and site specific stations as did the need for camera stations at each site. Epibenthic trawls were undertaken using the Day Dredge with 1/2 inch mesh nylon netting liner to recover bivalves for tissue analysis. Water samples for DO and salinity were taken at near-bottom and surface depths at each regional site. XBT casts were made at each regional site. Due to weather and ship-time availability constraints not all of the proposed secondary site specific stations were sampled. With the exception of the camera sampling (because of earlier instrument loss), all primary site-specific stations were successfully completed. Mooring deployed: 1 (#239, recovered by fishing trawler ELIZABETH Nov. 10, 1981). Sediment samples: 63.

USGS Project Number:

Contact: Michael Rawson ()

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