Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 17:03
Forums
Seafloor Organisms and Changing Ocean Conditions in Antarctic

Hello Ms. Herrman! The description of the terra lab is fascinating, I was wondering how accurate is the RASA machine? Can it figure out specific countries/facilities where nuclear weapons have been tested, or is it more of a general direction? Also, what types of algae are used to study ocean acidification? It is gloomy and rainy here in State College (which hasn't changed since you left)

~Anna W.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 01:32

Nell Herrmann

Hi Anna,The two types of algae are:
-a fleshy, red (Rhodophyta as you know from Ocean Bowl) algae called *Hildebrandia.*
-a crustose coralline algae (that's the one with CaCO3 in it)
Both are pictured in my journal from 2-18-2012. I got up close and personal with them yesterday while I was helping Kate prepare the rocks for her experiment!
Thanks for writing. I hope you get some sunshine soon!
-Ms. Herrmann

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 06:53

Nell Herrmann

Hi Anna,Here's a bit more about RASA:
Neal was sitting at my table at lunch, so I asked him the question about accuracy of the RASA machines. He said the machine can pinpoint where the bombs have been detonated with 100% accuracy. There are 80 RASA machines worldwide.
Here's a little more information I found online:
"The technologies are being deployed worldwide to verify international compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Treaty, adopted in 1996 by the United Nation's General Assembly and signed by 150 nations, is intended to reduce the threat of nuclear war and monitor weapons testing."
I can't find anything about where they are located and Neal wasn't sure about that either. Interesting stuff, for sure...
Thanks,
-Ms. Herrmann