The autonomous ocean profiler

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · IEEE J. Ocean. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/48.16833· OSTI ID:5876531

Echert, D C; White, G B; Geller, E W; Morison, J H

This paper 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 or 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 at only 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 relayed to the surface buoy through an inductive communications link for transmission via satellite.

• Research Organization: Flow Research, Inc., Kent, WA (USA); Washington Univ., Seattle, WA (USA). Coll. of Ocean and Fishery Sciences
• OSTI ID: 5876531
• Journal Information: IEEE J. Ocean. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE J. Ocean. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 14:2; ISSN IJOED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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