Plattform Platform	Reise-Nr. Cruise-No.	Zeitraum Period	Projekt Project	Arbeitsgebiet Working area
Meteor	M205	23.10.2024 - 28.11.2024	RUBBLE	North Atlantic Ocean

Fahrtleiter Chief Scientist	Institut Institute	Auslaufhafen Port of departure	Einlaufhafen Port of return	Stationskarte Station map	Schiffsroute Trackchart
Riehl Torben	Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Abt. Meeresgeologie/biologie, Wilhelmshaven	Las Palmas	Fortaleza

Ziel der Reise / Objectives of Cruise:

The RUBBLE expedition m²05 commenced on 24 October 2024 from Las Palmas, following clearance to exceed the 10-knot speed limit. Scientific equipment was unpacked, secured, and prepared on 25 October, with research activities beginning upon exiting the Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone at 21:40 UTC. Seafloor mapping with the EM122 multibeam echo sounder contributed to the Seabed 2030 initiative, and Saharan dust collection began using sticky traps and drones. At 02:00 on 27 October, data recording paused upon entering Cape Verde's Exclusive Economic Zone. Sampling Area SA1 (24 Oct-1 Nov 2024): Located in the Vema Fracture Zone, operations included two OFOS deployments, Sargassum and plankton sampling, nine BC deployments (one repeated), two MUC and two EBS deployments, and seven drone flights. Around 150 GB of visual data were collected despite BC deployment issues, including a broken weld seam and cable difficulties. SA1 concluded on 1 November at 14:00. Sampling Areas SA2 and SA3 (1-9 Nov 2024): Revised station planning optimized operations in SA2 and SA3. SA2 included two OFOS deployments, Sargassum and plankton sampling, five successful BC deployments (out of 12), two MUC and two EBS deployments, and five drone flights. Persistent BC failures prevented completion of the SA2-B site. In SA3, two OFOS deployments, six BC deployments (out of 11), two MUC and two EBS deployments, and six drone flights were completed. Despite equipment issues, sampling was successful. Public engagement included Instagram posts, a live broadcast at the Mainz Academy of Sciences celebration, and interactions at Frankfurt's Senckenberg Museum. Sampling Areas SA4 and SA5 (10-18 Nov 2024): SA4 operations began on 10 November and included two OFOS deployments, six successful BC deployments (out of 10), two successful MUC deployments (out of three), two EBS deployments, and three drone flights. SA5 work included two OFOS deployments, eight BC deployments (out of 10), one MUC deployment (with one to be repeated), two EBS deployments, and three drone flights. Notably, five BC deployments succeeded consecutively on 18 November. Public outreach included posts, a live workshop with over 70 participants, and a collaboration with YouTube artist Ze Frank. SAX Stations and Final Transit (18-23 Nov 2024): SAX work focused on manganese nodule fields and included three OFOS surveys, four BC deployments, three MUC deployments, and two EBS deployments. Manganese nodules, crusts, and volcanic glass were successfully sampled despite initial positioning issues. A 24-hour EM122 deep-water calibration and transit bathymetry followed. The RV METEOR arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 28 November. Despite technical challenges, the expedition was largely successful in scientific research and public engagement. A Brazilian customs strike delayed shipping of samples and equipment. To maintain cold storage and ensure safe transport, all items remained on board the RV METEOR for collection at the next port, Belem, Brazil.

Messungen / Measurements