Week 7 on the JOIDES Resolution has come to an end. Drilling operations have concluded – the rig floor is empty, as shown in this 360° view up to the derrick. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_117]

As we start transiting, maintenance work started on the pipe racker. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_118]

Saltwater is hard on all surfaces on the ship; thus, stripping paint and adding a new coat is a constant chore. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_119]

The long transit leads us from waypoint to waypoint – pictured here is the track from the South Atlantic to the North Atlantic. (Credit: Daniel Marone, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_120]

Even though coring has come to an end, we continue to process samples in the laboratories. Aaron Mechler (Marine Laboratory Specialist, IODP JRSO) weighs samples, pipettes standards, and runs the ICP (inductively coupled plasma) analyzer. At bottom right is the ICP autosampler, which takes up the liquid samples. The liquid is converted into a fine mist in the nebulizer spray chamber before it is delivered to the plasma torch. There, the 8000K+ heat causes electrons to transition to higher energy levels. Once they fall back down to their rest states, they emit light that is characteristic of each element. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_121]

When the JOIDES Resolution leaves port, it doesn’t return until the mission is accomplished, which means that replacement parts for equipment is essential. A 3-D printer helps fulfill the diverse needs for custom parts. Here, Clay Furman (Schlumberger Engineer) teaches design, pitfalls, material choices, and slicing. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_122]

Have you ever wondered how we store an expedition’s worth of data? Here, Steve Thomas (Marine Computer Specialist, IODP JRSO) shows us the data center. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_123]

Once across the Equator, the JOIDES Resolution passes through significant patches of brown algae. It is probably part of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, the largest bloom of macroalgae in the world (which stretches from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico). (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_124]

We were treated to another delicious special dinner this week – specialties from the Philippines: letchon (pig), ginatang manok (chicken with coconut milk and spices), and biko (sweet sticky rice dessert). (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_125]

The Entier staff proudly presents the roasted pig. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_126]

The bridge is manned 24 h a day. Like all other departments on the vessel – work never stops. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_127]

The stars are watching over us. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_128]

Sunrise comes with a variety of cloud formations, calm seas, and some frigatebirds. (Credit: Brittany Stockmaster, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_129]

Siem personnel verify location between digital instrument readings and traditional celestial observation. The instrument used is a prismatic azimuth device, which is a azimuth ring on top of a gyro compass. It is used to measure the bearing of an object – here, the sun. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_130]

Sunsets at sea stay majestic – South or North Atlantic, nature holds its beauty. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_131]

During the night, the moon is our constant companion. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_132]

On course to our final destination, Reykjavik, Iceland, the birds continue to escort us. (Credit: Sandra Herrmann, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp395E_133]