Home
Centre for Geobiology
Visiting student

Discovering a new world beneath one’s feet

Twenty-one year old Birinder Singh comes from Shri Amritsar Sahib, a holy city in Punjab in the northern part of India.

Birinder Singh with researcher colleagues aboard the GOSars
Birinder Singh with researcher colleagues aboard the GOSars
Photo:
CGB

Main content

There he is about to enter his final year of studies at the Integrated M.Tech Geophysical Technology at IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Roorkee. He has travelled to Bergen to participate in some practical geophysics activities, including participating in this summer’s research cruise at the Centre for Geobiology (CGB).

(click on the images to the right to access a larger image)

According to Singh there is a big contrast between Amritsar and Bergen. The population of Amritsar is roughly 6 times that of Bergen. In addition, the climates of the two cities are very different! In Amritsar there is generally only rain during the monsoon season, which extends from July till October. Singh feels that Bergen, on the other hand, has lived up to its name as the ‘City of Rain’ or the ‘Seattle of Europe’ during his visit: it has rained almost every day that he has been here. The temperature in Amritsar is also much warmer than that of Bergen. When Singh left in mid-May it was 45° C. Since he has arrived in Bergen the temperature has been only as high as 15° C at most, and at sea just a few degrees above zero! Singh notes that there are many cultural and culinary differences as well.

Singh came to Bergen following a suggestion from Sagarika Mukhopadhyay, a professor in the department where he studies. He had been working on a project in geophysics and after undertaking some internet study of the Centre’s activities, he felt that it would be advantageous for him to come to Norway to gain some practical experience by participating in one of CGB’s research cruises.

When asked how he would describe the experience of being a part of a research team on a research cruise, Singh replied that it has been the experience of a lifetime. His choice of geophysics as a career path was based on a deeply felt fascination with the many different natural phenomena on planet earth. It was therefore particularly exciting to have ‘personally visited’ a live hydrothermal system.

During the cruise Singh was part of the team responsible for the acquisition and interpretation of data collected by a variety of specialised equipment including a Sub Bottom Profiler (Topas ps-18), a Multi Beam Echo Sounder and the Hugin (Autonomous underwater vehicle), which explored the seafloor mapping the deep sea volcanoes and looking for hydrothermal vents and the new ecosystems. Scientists on the research cruise also used an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) to collect samples of the specialized communities of organisms around the nutrient rich seeps and vents on the seafloor down to depths of several hundred metres.

Singh particularly appreciated the experience of being a part of a team that was made up of students, researchers, professors and technical staff. He expressed great appreciation for the very hard-working, friendly and supportive atmosphere on board the G.O.Sars.

According to Singh a typical day at sea is very condition dependent. Each day’s plans are dependent on successful completion of work from the day before and having weather conditions that permit the operation of the various pieces of equipment. He feels that sample collection is especially exciting because the material is completely unique and unknown. Singh says that the study of such poorly understood ecosystems raises more questions than it answers! In between work shifts he enjoys the friendly chitchat around the dinner table. Singh especially appreciates being able to grab the odd snack throughout the day. He has also enjoyed going out on deck to take in the sunsets of the far north.

When asked about his advice to potential visiting students Singh said that it is important to be open and aware of how much we do not know – both of natural phenomena “hidden below our feet”, but also culturally of different peoples and cultures. He encourages students with interests to take initiatives. Coming to Bergen has been a valuable learning experience for him. He has gained practical experience with the use of various technologies that are important for geophysical research as well as being exposed to research activities in other disciplines. Nor does the Norwegian language pose much of a hurdle as most Norwegians speak English so well. He definitely would encourage other students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.

Indian Institute of Technology - Roorkee

Amritsar