SENSORS: Collaborative Research: ALOHA Mooring Sensor Network and Adaptive Sampling

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

The PIs propose to develop a moored deep-ocean sensor network that will first be installed at the Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT)/ALOHA Observatory (AO) and then at other cabled observatory sites as they are implemented. This moored sensor network is based on a profiler that will move between near-surface and fixed abyssal sensors under program control. The PIs feel that this project will demonstrate the scientific potential of combining adaptive sampling methods with a moored series of profiling sensors. The PIs will also develop optimization software tools to maximize overall information return given the constraints of competing scientific objectives, the continually changing environment that will be observed, and the physical limitations of the observing sensors and network. The power and two-way real time communications capability provided by the recently funded cabled ALOHA Observatory is essential to the sampling improvements and sensor network proposed here. This moored adaptive sampling system would have direct impact on evolving ocean observing systems both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, the ability to automatically detect ecological events would be useful for other sensor systems. Data and results from this study will help improve our understanding of biogeochemical processes in the Pacific and thus will aid in our understanding of high-profile research agendas, such as global carbon cycling and the Pacific fisheries.