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Operating Cabled Underwater Observatories in Rough Shelf-Sea Environments: A Technological Challenge

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Title: Operating Cabled Underwater Observatories in Rough Shelf-Sea Environments: A Technological Challenge
Authors: Philipp Fischer, Holger Brix, Burkard Baschek, Alexandra Kraberg, Markus Brand, Boris Cisewski, Rolf Riethmüller, Gisbert Breitbach, Klas Ove Möller, Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Samir Alliouane, Willem H. van de Poll, Rob Witbaard
Source: Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol 7 (2020)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2020.
Publication Year: 2020
Collection: LCC:Science
LCC:General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution
Subject Terms: coastal cabled observatories, remote sensor operation, data quality, Arctic coasts, North Sea, Science, General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution, QH1-199.5
Description: Cabled coastal observatories are often seen as future-oriented marine technology that enables science to conduct observational and experimental studies under water year-round, independent of physical accessibility to the target area. Additionally, the availability of (unrestricted) electricity and an Internet connection under water allows the operation of complex experimental setups and sensor systems for longer periods of time, thus creating a kind of laboratory beneath the water. After successful operation for several decades in the terrestrial and atmospheric research field, remote controlled observatory technology finally also enables marine scientists to take advantage of the rapidly developing communication technology. The continuous operation of two cabled observatories in the southern North Sea and off the Svalbard coast since 2012 shows that even highly complex sensor systems, such as stereo-optical cameras, video plankton recorders or systems for measuring the marine carbonate system, can be successfully operated remotely year-round facilitating continuous scientific access to areas that are difficult to reach, such as the polar seas or the North Sea. Experience also shows, however, that the challenges of operating a cabled coastal observatory go far beyond the provision of electricity and network connection under water. In this manuscript, the essential developmental stages of the “COSYNA Shallow Water Underwater Node” system are presented, and the difficulties and solutions that have arisen in the course of operation since 2012 are addressed with regard to technical, organizational and scientific aspects.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2296-7745
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2020.00551/full; https://doaj.org/toc/2296-7745
DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00551
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/7cf8c88ef1d1462db6e03d78af09fc1c
Accession Number: edsdoj.7cf8c88ef1d1462db6e03d78af09fc1c
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Cabled coastal observatories are often seen as future-oriented marine technology that enables science to conduct observational and experimental studies under water year-round, independent of physical accessibility to the target area. Additionally, the availability of (unrestricted) electricity and an Internet connection under water allows the operation of complex experimental setups and sensor systems for longer periods of time, thus creating a kind of laboratory beneath the water. After successful operation for several decades in the terrestrial and atmospheric research field, remote controlled observatory technology finally also enables marine scientists to take advantage of the rapidly developing communication technology. The continuous operation of two cabled observatories in the southern North Sea and off the Svalbard coast since 2012 shows that even highly complex sensor systems, such as stereo-optical cameras, video plankton recorders or systems for measuring the marine carbonate system, can be successfully operated remotely year-round facilitating continuous scientific access to areas that are difficult to reach, such as the polar seas or the North Sea. Experience also shows, however, that the challenges of operating a cabled coastal observatory go far beyond the provision of electricity and network connection under water. In this manuscript, the essential developmental stages of the “COSYNA Shallow Water Underwater Node” system are presented, and the difficulties and solutions that have arisen in the course of operation since 2012 are addressed with regard to technical, organizational and scientific aspects.
ISSN:22967745
DOI:10.3389/fmars.2020.00551