Development of the Next Generation of RAFOS Floats

University Of Rhode Island, Kingston RI

Investigators

Abstract

0118536 This ocean sciences technology development project will develop, and make available to the oceanographic community, an inexpensive next-generation RAFOS float using a modern, energy-efficient microprocessor and a robust operating system. The RAFOS-specific functions will be built around a commercially available microprocessor system adapted for our application. The technology will be made available to the community either through a bidding process or via a vendor committed to providing service at a reasonable price. The goal is to achieve a material cost per float of about $1200 when produced in volume. The work addresses a need for an inexpensive float that can be deployed in large numbers in order to properly sample the wide range of variability inherent to ocean currents and in order to obtain statistically significant estimates of mean flow. Work entails development of a surface mount electronics board and operating system that will make it much easier for present and new users to undertake a wide variety of Lagrangian studies.