Temperature, salinity, and optical characteristics data from NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Operation Deep Scope cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, 2004-08-07 to 2004-08-17 (NCEI Accession 0001965)

This dataset includes physical, chemical, optical and ocean color measurements, and still photography data collected during the Operation Deep Scope cruise, also known as Bioluminescence Cruise. The cruise was sponsored by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration. Temperature, salinity, and bioluminescence species data were obtained by the shipboard underway sensor system and the CTD mounted on the submarine JOHNSON SEA-LINK I. Optical characteristics data were obtained by a variety of laboratory analyzes.

The Operation Deep Scope cruise collected different data for several separate researches. The data were based on the measurement and characteristics of the light, both from the sun and bioluminescence, which was found in these ecosystems. Light has been described as the most powerful selective force in evolutionary history. Understanding how animals have adapted to the light in their environments -- to see and be seen (or not be seen) -- will provide new insight into the nature of life in these unusual communities. A JOHNSON SEA-LINK submarine was used for this deep sea dive project. The submarine deployed a device, Eye in the Sea sensor system when it reaches the benthic level. The device captured images of specimens when the motion sensor was triggered. A bait bag and an artificial jellyfish were placed in front of the motion sensor to attract specimens. Four light-tight traps were placed in the area to collect specimens for laboratory analysis. Laboratory analysis focuses on the fluorescence/bioluminescence characteristics of the specimen. The specimens that were captured; crabs, tube worms, corals, anemones, squids, sponges, jellyfishes, and urchins. However, not all of the species contains characteristics traits of fluorescence. Specimens were also collected through trawls and net casts.

In a separate research, optical devices were deployed to capture polarized and non-polarized images. The device permits determination of specimen during periods of fluorescence and non fluorescence. The study was also done in laboratory after the specimens were captured through light-tight traps, trawls, and net casts. Other studies in the laboratory include measuring vision and color of the benthic species.