Next Generation Ocean Observing Systems: Part 1 Platforms

Oceanography is an observational science driven by data collected from ships, moorings, satellites, AUVs, etc. Oceanographers are now beginning to contribute to global scale climate change studies, which requires distributing data to others in near-real time. Besides the new technology developments in satellites and AUV remote sensing, there is still a need for continuous, long-term time-series observations from moored platforms in support of climate change research, weather forecasting and prediction programs, environmental monitoring and assimilative modeling efforts in near real-time. To accomplish this, (1) improved buoys and mooring technologies need to be developed and utilized, (2) new sensors and data systems with intelligent sampling and processing capability need to be incorporated, and (3) world-wide, two-way, high-speed satellite telmetry systems need to be developed to return the data in near-real time to the resesarch and modeling efforts, and allow control of the remote platform from shore.

Working toward this goal in support of scientific studies in continental shelf regions, several moored buoy systems have been developed and utilized during the past 15 years. The newer platforms provide lower maintenance systems that can be moored for a longer duration, utilize compliant tether technology, and provide improved observational capabilities. The elastic tether provides a more stable buoy with reduced shock loading which in turn provides a better riding platform for environmental observations with lighter weight mooring hardware. A coil cord assembly, presently undergoing testing, provides telemetry of data and power around the elastic tethers. The buoy itself consists of a foam flotation collar around an aluminum frame and instrument well that supplies flotation for the mooring system. During the last 5 years on Georges Bank these buoys have performed well with reduced fouling and reduced corrosion, and providing platforms that have successfully supplied meteorological, water property and bio-optical time-series observations. Solar charged batteries supply system and sensor power, allowing a deployment to continue as long as the sensors are working well. Primary data storage is by telemetry to shore, presently via ARGOS and GOES with future developments in LEO satellite telemetry being undertaken.

The same technology in platform materials, sensors, data and telemetry systems can also provide scientifically useful data when incorporated in drifting and station keeping platforms. A freely drifting system will be smaller and lower cost because of no need for the mooring. In deep ocean regions with low currents, a drifting system could provide valuable meteorological and water property time-series in the upper ocean. The position of the observations would be located geographically through GPS. With additional solar and wind power, it also appears feasible to have a station keeping buoy that could remain in a general location, except in western boundary currents, and provide useful meteorological and oceanographic information.