An Autonomous Ocean Instrument Platform Driven Vertically by the Current
Abstract
This report describes the development and initial field test results of the Autonomous Ocean Profiler (AOP). The AOP is an oceanographic instrument platform for measuring profiles of physical, thermodynamic, and biological properties in the ocean. The profiler employs a hydrodynamic lift device to fly the instrument package up and down the water column along a taut vertical cable. Because the local currents drive the platform's vertical motion, power requirements are low and, therefore, long, unattended deployments are possible. By using ARGOS and GOES satellite retrieval networks, the system can supply near real time data. The system provides profile data at very high vertical resolution in contrast to conventional buoys, which gather data only a fixed sensor depths. Because only a single set of sensors is required to cover the vertical range desired, the system is low cost and, for many applications, expendable. The initial deployment configuration is as an Arctic drifting buoy. A satellite retransmission buoy is placed on the sea ice surface with the cable suspended below the ice. Conductivity, temperature, and depth information are gathered over a depth range of 0 to 300 m. Data are internally recorded and are relayed to the surface buoy through an inductive communication link for transmission via satellite. Initial test results from Puget Sound and from an Arctic test are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198226
Entities
People
- D. C. Echert
- E. W. Geller
- G. B. White
- James Morison