Week 6
07 August 2006

Kathleen Gavahan – Senior Analyst

Kathleen is originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico. She has been working in the Antarctic program for 10 years.

Career path: Kathleen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, New Mexico. She was one of the first women recruited into the oil industry in 1974 as a geophysicist for Amoco. In addition to her mathematics degree, Kathleen had taken numerous geology courses that further qualified her for the job. She worked in Denver for 22 years as a geophysicist. Deciding that it was time for a change, she went back to college to get a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Her reward to herself for finishing her degree was a tourist trip to Antarctica. While in Antarctica, she met people who were working there and employed by a company that had its offices in Denver not far from where she lived. Upon Kathleen’s return to Denver, she applied for a job and was hired as a database programmer at the corporate offices. Six months later, a job that perfectly matched her qualifications opened up on an Antarctic research vessel. Her job combines both her knowledge of geophysics and programming.

Job duties: Kathleen’s job covers two distinct areas. She is responsible for running the multi-beam sonar and for maintenance and coding of the Data Acquisition System from the Underway System. (See Hot Topics: Week 5 – The Underway System). The multi-beam is used to create bathymetric maps. (For an exploration of bathymetric maps go to www.learningdemo.com/noaa and select Lesson 4 on Subduction Zones). The multi-beam records a swath of data as the beam moves perpendicular to the ship. The size of the area recorded depends on the depth. A shallower depth produces a narrower swath and a deeper depth a wider one.

Multibeam Data - Volcano

Question: What is the difference between topographic and bathymetric maps? Why are these kinds of maps useful?

Data is collected almost constantly. The multi-beam is not on when the ship is stopped unless the drift is more than 1 knot. Additionally, the multi-beam is not run when the ship is passing through very heavy ice. If there are leads, then the multi-beam will be left on. Leads are patches of open water between the ice. All the data must then be edited and compiled. Usually there are people on board ship who help with the editing although some of the time, Kathleen does part of it herself. Data that is gathered on the cruise is given to the chief scientist. At times there may be 20-30 gigabytes of data.

Question: How big is a gigabyte in relation to a megabyte?

On this cruise, one of Kathleen’s duties included mapping an underwater volcano. Take a look at the map to find out a little of what’s happening below the sea surface.

Parting Thoughts: Kathleen loves her job and has no plans to leave. If you’re considering a similar career, her job is not available.