Moving vessel profiler (MVP) transect from PolarFront 2023-08 cruise

The Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP) was deployed to collect data with high-spatial resolution along our transect crossing the front. Instruments contained in the profiling unit ("fish") of the winch were a CTD (AML µCTD), a fluorescence sensor (WETLABS) and a laser optical plankton counter (LOPC). 

Together the instruments yield data on the physical environment, phytoplankton, zooplankton and other particle distributions

During the entire deployment of the MVP, weather conditions were optimal with very low wind speeds and calm sea. Apart from one stop at the surface due to a fishing vessel in our transect (20 min stop), no sampling issues whatsoever were experienced. A few breaks along the transect were taken to collect water samples and to set out the Sailbuoy and Seaglider.

Transect start: 75N, 29 30' E, 17 August at 02:13 UTC

Transect end: 78N, 29 30' E, 18 August at 11:09 UTC

In total the transect was 333 km long and 382 profiles to 25 m above bottom were collected, resulting in a spatial resolution of, on average, 1 profile every 870 m.