Autonomous Observational Platforms for Ocean Studies: Operation, Advantages of Sensor Technology and Data Management

Dariia Atamanchuk1, Jeremy Lai1, Michael Vining1, Dan Kehoe1, Greg Siddall1, Uwe Send2 and Douglas Wallace1, (1)Dalhousie University, Department of Oceanography, Halifax, NS, Canada, (2)Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, United States
Abstract:
Ocean Science and Technology research group (CERC.OCEAN) at Dalhousie University focuses on new approaches in design and development of autonomous platforms to study biogeochemical and ecological changes in the world's oceans. The principal research regions included the Labrador Sea, the Northwest Atlantic between Halifax and Bermuda, and the coastal areas of Atlantic Canada.

The need for improved constraints on the ocean’s present and future carbon cycle is of high relevance for the Northwest Atlantic, which is recognized as a largest sink of carbon dioxide(CO2) through air-sea exchange and subsequent transport to deeper layers of the global ocean. With the use of novel sensor technology integrated into the designed platforms we are achieving a superior spatial and temporal resolution of observations. SeaCycler – a surface piercing mooring - was designed to endure year-long measurements in harsh conditions of the open ocean, like Labrador Sea, while making daily profiles of the upper 150m of the water column. Significant research efforts within CERC.OCEAN are dedicated for improving sensors’ data outcome. This includes testing, calibration of the sensors, QC and postprocessing to assure reliable and trustworthy measurements.

Examples and implication of the data from SeaCycler, and other platforms including buoys, and automonous Volunteer Observing Ship (VOS) flow-through system will be presented.

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