POSITION DETERMINATION NEAR THE SEA FLOOR,
Abstract
Exploration or search operations close to the deep sea floor frequently require accurate position determination. Many techniques have been proposed but few have actually been applied. This paper describes actual utilization of a transponder system in conjunction with deeply towed (about 5 km deep) instruments in the conduct of fine-scale surveys of three deep ocean areas in the Northeastern Pacific. In each area three transponders were used, with spacings varying between 2 and 15 km. Computational techniques have been applied to determine transponder locations utilizing all observations in which three transponders were simultaneously within range. Use of these numerical methods yields an estimate of the uncertainty (least squares fitting residuals) in measurements of range as made with this equipment which falls in the three cases between 3 and 20 meters. Useful range information is obtained to distances which are generally limited by the combination of topography/vehicle depth and sound velocity profile. They have shown in situ reliability compatible with the design goal of one year's operation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0667708
Entities
People
- Carl D. Lowenstein
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography