We are nearly midway through our first microbio sampling. It is a bit slow going, but we are improving our sampling routine with each core. The chemists were up until the wee hours, making direct in situ measurements and extracting water from the pore spaces of the sediments for analysis later.
The cruises I have been on previously have only sampled rocks and hydrothermal chimneys using an ROV (remotely-operated vehicle, like the Jason II) or a submersible (Alvin and Pisces II). Also I have no prior experience with sampling muds. So far, this is very different, but very fun too.... Back to work.