Expanding Ocean Observing Systems in time, space and the parameter dimensions for societal benefit
Ocean Observing Systems (OOSes) consist of many types of technology for measuring ocean parameters, generally divided between the “sensor” and the “platform” that supports it with some combination of power, communications and physical mounting in addition to geographic and vertical positioning or transport. Traditional methods involve ships, moorings, and buoys. Autonomous systems such as surface drifters, profiling floats, underwater and surface vehicles, bottom landers, and coastal radars have drastically improved the ability of oceanographers to observe the ocean by increasing the coverage in space and time while reducing costs. New sensing devices have increased the number and quality of the observable parameters, while reducing power and computing requirements. In this talk, a review of the latest developments in autonomous observing will be presented, with a focus on societal applications. Particular examples will be presented, such as underwater gliders, which are known for measuring fundamental physical ocean parameters such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and a range of optical fluorescence and backscatter signals. The more recently integrated sensors like echosounders, vision profilers, dissolved gases, and passive acoustics have been demonstrated take advantage of the long endurance and accessibility to remote or difficult environments. Integration is costly and time consuming because of the need for non-recurring engineering and development arising from a lack of interoperability among platforms and sensors. In this talk, we will also address an open source approach we have developed to ease this process for ourselves, and for others. The concept is called “SIRMA” ™ (Smart Interoperable Real-time Marine Assembly).