Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine (OGM)

  United States

Cape Cod

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Start Date: 7/5/07 - End Date: 7/24/07

Description: Shore Component

The nine-day shore component takes place at the Shoals Marine Laboratory's (SML's) field station on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. This segment of the OGM program provides the near-shore, coastal portion of students' oceanographic study of the Gulf of Maine. OGM's challenging curriculum includes an introduction to the scientific method; analysis of data collected from sites along Appledore's rocky intertidal zone. Field trips to neighboring islands include visits to harbor seal and seabird communities. Lectures and laboratory activities provide exposure to the fundamentals of coastal marine ecology.

The Academic Program

Daily schedules at the Shoals Marine Laboratory are flexible in order to accommodate predictable events (e.g. tides), to take advantage of unforeseen opportunities to experience the marine environment (e.g. observing the nearby passage of migrating whales), and to participate in campus-wide marine science lectures and field opportunities.

Depending upon tides and weather, OGM's daily routine often includes early morning collecting trips to the intertidal zone. Lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips on the island or a cruise onboard SML's Research Vessel John M. Kingsbury complete the daytime schedule. After dinner, lectures, slide, or film presentations are often given. Before and after lecture, students carry on informal discussions with visiting faculty, work in the labs, or study

Sea Component on board ship

Students sail on one of SEA's 134-foot sailing vessels on a ten-day oceanographic voyage on the waters of the Gulf of Maine, George's Bank, and surrounding Cape Cod. Working alongside professional scientists, students conduct marine research and collect data, emphasizing the interrelationships of the biological, geological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the Gulf of Maine region. Students are introduced to the basics of nautical science as they participate in the routine operation and navigation of the ship. The sea-going half of the OGM program provides the "blue water" portion of the oceanographic study of the Gulf of Maine.
The Academic Program

Students are assigned to a "watch", a group of eight people with whom they rotate through the 24-hour daily schedule. While a watch is on duty, each person is assigned to a particular area of the vessel for the duration of the watch period: in the lab, on the deck, in the galley, or in the engine room.

During lab watch, students participate in oceanographic activities led by the scientist on duty. Students deploy oceanographic instruments at scientific stations conducted each day at sea, to determine characteristics of the water column, the sea floor, and the biological organisms of the area. Students assist in analyzing the biological, geological, and physical data collected during the cruise. These data may include sea temperature, salinity, chemical nutrients, water depth, plankton samples, sediment samples, and weather observations.

During deck watch, students participate in navigational exercises led by the mate on duty. These exercises include opportunities to maneuver the vessel under sail and power, course plotting, and near-shore piloting with charts and compass.

Highlights: Island Life

Academic endeavors take up most of the days on Appledore Island, but free time around meals is perfect for taking advantage of the islands swimming area, volleyball courts, or library. Shoals Marine Lab encourages students to interact as much as possible with the entire island community. Musicians, bring your instruments! It is always great to have someone on the island to share a song with other students, faculty and staff.

Three meals are served on the island each day, except Sunday, when schedules are somewhat more relaxed and begin after a mid-morning brunch. One morning or afternoon each week, students join in a general cleaning of the island and its facilities. At least once during each course, an attempt is made to provide a lobster dinner with a beautiful sunset in the background.

Shipboard Life

Life at sea is fast-paced, as all watch activities continue on a 24-hour basis throughout the oceanographic voyage. In addition to routine watch standing duties, students prepare and present group project presentations. There is always something to see, to learn, to do.

Accommodations are comfortable, but cozy. The food is excellent and plentiful - three meals plus three snacks each day. At least once during the cruise, students join in a general cleaning of the ship. Students have enough free time to make friends with the rest of the crew, to keep a journal, to climb aloft, to make music (bringing instruments is encouraged!), and to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets.

Cost in US$: $4860.00

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1971