Biological Oceanography Facilities

Benthic Ecology/Sediment Dynamics Laboratories

There are two COAS laboratories studying benthic oceanography. Research in these labs involves diverse aspects of marine benthic ecology and sedimentology in shallow-water environments using state-of-the-art field and laboratory instrumentation. Field sampling instruments include a variety of coring packages including OSUSSS (Oregon State University Seafloor Sampling System), a digital x-radiography system, two resistivity profilers, and several video and still camera systems for obtaining images of the seafloor. Laboratory equipment includes two gamma-ray detectors for measuring radionuclides, amperometric and fiber optic microsensor systems (O2, pH, H2S, NO3 measurements), and an assortment of tools for studying benthic organisms.

For more information, contact Rob Wheatcroft or Tony D’Andrea. More details are available at the web sites of the Benthic Oceanography Lab and the Estuarine Ecology Lab.

Bio-optics/Plankton Laboratory

Bio-optical properties of phytoplankton with benchtop and in situ instrumentation used to assess the spectral absorption and spectral fluorescence characteristics of photosynthetic pigments are analyzed in this laboratory. Field programs are conducted in close collaboration with the Ocean Optics group.

The lab has temperature and light-controlled facilities for phytoplankton culture as well as culture and maintenance of microzooplankton and mesozooplankton. Equipment includes dissecting and epifluorescence microscopes. These facilities complement those of the Zooplankton Laboratory. The bio-optical research facility includes a separate laser laboratory for experimental work on phytoplankton pigments as well as for bio-optical instrument development. Equipment includes two multi-line argon ion lasers, two helium-neon lasers, a red diode laser, a quarter-meter monochromator, an intensified multichannel detector, and supplementary equipment. A Perkin-Elmer spectrophotometer is available for measuring UV-VIS absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence excitation profiles.

For more information, contact Prof. Tim Cowles.

Earth Observing System (EOS) Direct Broadcast Site

In collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), COAS researchers installed a 4-meter satellite dish at OSU in November 2000 to acquire data from the Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites, Terra and Aqua. The satellites pass overhead several times a day within view of the dish. During each satellite pass, the sensors downlink their data to the dish. Data from MODIS are captured and processed in near real-time. MODIS measures ocean conditions such as chlorophyll, sea-surface temperature, and chlorophyll fluorescence.

All data and satellite images are available from the MODIS direct broadcast site. For information about the Earth Observing System, and other EOS satellites, visit EOS.

Microbiology Lab

This laboratory conducts marine microbiological research, including laboratory experimentation and oceanographic field work. Equipment includes analytical and stereoscopic microscopes, an image analysis system, a multi-user flow cytometer, basic molecular biological and gel imaging equipment, spectrophotometer, vacuum and drying ovens, -80 degree Celsius and -20 degree Celsius freezers, fluorometers, high-speed centrifuges, sonicators, autoclaves, laminar flow hood, HPLC-grade water purifiers, pH meters, dissolved oxygen electrode systems (for on site and laboratory use), computer-based micro-Winkler system, semi-micro balances, walk-in environmental chamber, several refrigerator-size constant temperature incubators, circulating water baths, orbital shakers, chemostat, ultrafiltration apparatus, and solid phase extraction apparatus.

For more information, contact Profs. Ev Sherr or Barry Sherr.

Zooplankton Lab

The zooplankton laboratory is equipped for microscopic examination of live and preserved zooplankton. Equipment includes various microscopes, videomicroscopy apparatus, Iatroscan lipid analysis instrument, access to a CHN analysis system, basic facilities for chemical analysis of plankton animals, and a variety of aquarium equipment. Two large refrigerated rooms support experimental zooplankton rearing and behavioral studies.

For more information contact Profs. Charles Miller, or Tim Cowles.