Image courtesy of Dan Wolfe

From: Lelia Hawkins
Off the coast of Georgia, October 6, 2008

I'm Gumbi!

We are finally at sea after a week of setting up instruments, securing everything with straps, and testing the ship's equipment. I've met most of the scientists and the crew members, but there's still alot to learn on the ship.

Safety is an important part of research on a ship. Today we were fitted for our "Immersion Suits". These suits are made of neoprene, like wetsuits, and they are made to keep people warm in cold water if there is an emergency. Because we're going to a place with cold water it is important that each person on board the ship make sure they can fit into their suit. We call them "Gumbi suits" because when you are wearing it, you look like Gumbi! Too bad they're not green...

Postcards from the Field: Climate Science from the Southeast Pacific

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