The JOIDES Resolution is a noisy place with many intriguing sounds. Each sound is made by something with an important job on the ship or in the labs.

On Expedition 390, we’re exploring the things that make these noises and what each thing does. 

Each time we share a new sound on our social media, we will also add to this blog post. The answer for each noise will follow a few days later.

Can you name the #JRSounds?

Sound 1:

Listen carefully for a sound every 10 seconds.

ANSWER:

This JR sound is the ship’s sonar. A sonar dome on the hull’s lowest point sends a signal to the seafloor and listens for its return. It tells us how deep the ocean is. It measures 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙮 or water depth.

Sound 2: 

We hear this sound when we very first arrive at a drilling site.

ANSWER: If you guessed dynamic thrusters, you’re right! The JR has twelve computer-controlled thrusters, which are part of its dynamic-positioning system. They help us maintain our position and stability, even in heavy seas.

Here’s what a thruster looks like when it’s being lowered. (As you can see in the first 10 seconds, they lower very slowly, so I have sped up the rest of the video!)

Sound 3: