A Cabled, High Bandwidth Instrument Platform for Continuous Scanning of the Upper Ocean Water Column

Eric McRae1, John R Delaney2, Deborah Kelly2, Kendra L Daly3, Douglas S Luther4, Gary Harkins5, Michael Harrington5, Chuck McGuire5, James Tilley5, Jesse Dosher5, Patrick Waite5, Geoff Cram5 and Orest Eduard Kawka6, (1)University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory, Electronic and Photonic Systems, Seattle, WA, United States, (2)University of Washington Seattle Campus, Seattle, WA, United States, (3)University of South Florida Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States, (4)University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States, (5)University of Washington, Applied Physics Lab, Seattle, WA, United States, (6)University of Washington, School of Oceanography, Seattle, WA, United States
Abstract:
The Cabled Array portion of the National Science Foundation funded Ocean Observatories Initiative is a large scale, high bandwidth and high power subsea science network designed by the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory. Part of that system is a set of winched profilers which continuously scan the upper 200m of the ocean at their deployment sites.

The custom built profilers leverage the Cabled Array’s technology for interfacing collections of science instruments and add the ability to run predefined missions and to switch missions or mission parameters on the fly via command from shore. The profilers were designed to operate continuously for up to two years after deployment after which certain wearing components must be replaced.

The data from the profiler’s science and engineering sensors are streamed to shore via the seafloor network in real time. Data channel capacity from the profilers exceeds 40 Mbps. For profiler safety, mission execution is controlled within the platform. Inputs such as 3D gyro, pressure depth and deployed cable calculations are monitored to assure safe operation during any sea state. The profilers never surface but are designed to approach within 5m of the surface if conditions allow. Substantial engineering effort was focused on reliable cable handling under all ocean conditions.

The profilers are currently operated from subsea moorings which also contain sets of fixed science and engineering sensors. The profilers and their associated mooring instrument assemblies are designed for rapid replacement using ROVs.

We have operated this system for two years, including one annual maintenance turn and information relative to that experience will be included in the paper.

[Image Caption] Cabled Array Shallow Profiler shown in its parking position.

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