The 2008 North Atlantic Bloom Experiment Collaboratory Web Site is
now open. We are currently operating floats and gliders equipped
with biogeochemical sensors near the JGOFS NABE site (60N 20W). We
plan to operate through June, 2008. The Knorr will visit the site
for much of May to make more detailed measurements.

Since deployment on April 4, we have seen significant pre-bloom
variability, with factors of 2 in chlorophyll fluorescence,
associated with mesocale eddy activity. The ocean has stratified in
fits and starts over this period, with increased stratification
during calm periods interrupted by mixing during stormy periods.
Over the last few days there are clear signs of a bloom beginning:
higher chlorophyll fluorescence, backscatter, absorption and
oxygen. Not everything has gone perfectly either...

Biooptical instrumentation on the floats and gliders includes hyperspectral
radiometers (floats), chlorophyll and CDOM fluorometers, beam
transmissometers (floats), 2 ISUS (floats), 2 PAR sensors, bb at 470, 532
and 700 nm. During the month of May 2008, we will do biooptical casts too.

You are invited to follow the progress of this experiment through
mission reports, blogs, photos and real-time data display at

http://bloom.apl.washington.edu

If you have a greater interest, you can participate in the associated
discussion and information group (cross-linked to the web site) at

http://groups.google.com/group/nab08

If you want to contribute to the site or experiment in other ways,
please contact us at the addresses below.

Eric D'Asaro: dasaro AT apl.washington.edu
Katja Fennel: Katja.Fennel AT dal.ca
Craig Lee: craig AT apl.washington.edu
Mary Jane Perry: perrymj AT maine.edu


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