MOCNESS

MOCNESS

MOCNESS system being deployed from a research vessel.

The MOCNESS (Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System) is an advanced oceanographic instrument used for sampling plankton and other small marine organisms at various depths in the ocean. It is a crucial tool in marine biology and oceanography for studying the distribution and abundance of zooplankton and other small marine life forms.

Design and Functionality

The MOCNESS system consists of a series of nets that can be opened and closed at specific depths, allowing researchers to collect samples from discrete layers of the water column. This capability is essential for understanding the vertical distribution of marine organisms and their responses to environmental gradients such as temperature, salinity, and light.

The system is equipped with environmental sensors that record data such as depth, temperature, salinity, and fluorescence, providing a comprehensive profile of the sampling environment. This data is crucial for interpreting the biological samples collected and understanding the ecological context of the organisms.

Deployment and Operation

Researchers preparing the MOCNESS for deployment.

The MOCNESS is typically deployed from a research vessel. It is lowered into the ocean using a winch system, and the nets are opened and closed at predetermined depths as the system is towed through the water. The collected samples are retrieved when the system is brought back on board, and the data from the sensors is downloaded for analysis.

The ability to target specific depths and collect samples from multiple layers in a single deployment makes the MOCNESS an efficient and powerful tool for marine research. It is widely used in studies of marine biodiversity, food webs, and the impacts of environmental changes on marine ecosystems.

Applications in Research

The MOCNESS is used in a variety of research applications, including:

• Biodiversity Studies: By collecting samples from different depths, researchers can assess the diversity of planktonic organisms and their distribution patterns.
• Ecosystem Monitoring: The system provides data on the abundance and distribution of key species, which is essential for monitoring changes in marine ecosystems.
• Climate Change Research: Understanding how plankton communities respond to changes in temperature and other environmental factors helps scientists predict the impacts of climate change on marine life.

Related Pages

• Plankton
• Oceanography
• Marine biology
• Zooplankton