-SpaDE- Spatial scaling of diversity and ecology of planktonic foraminifera in the oligotrophic gyre of the North Atlantic - Cruise No. M113/2 - January 24 - February 9, 2015 - Ponta Delgada (Portugal) - Kingston (Jamaica) (English)

The transit research cruise SpaDe investigated the distribution of planktic foraminifera across a transect through the North Atlantic. Planktic foraminifera were sampled with a Multi-Plankton-Sampler (MPS, multiple-closing net) at 22 stations, both for traditional microscopic as well as genetic analyses. Hydrographic conditions at the sampling stations were co-registered by CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth probe) casts and the phytoplankton distribution in the water column was characterised by fluorospectrometric measurements. Furthermore, a dedicated sampling scheme for the investigation of the patchy distribution of planktic foraminifera was tested. Water samples for the analysis of the now-prohibited pesticide Endosulfan and other halogenated chemicals were taken along the cruise track.