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Project title

Next generation of Autonomous Upper Ocean Profiling Platform

Primary Funding Agency

Marine Institute

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

The aim of this proposal is to develop the next generation of the Air Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP-NG). This unique instrument is an enhancement of the successful ASIP, which was developed over 10 years ago. ASIP-NG will provide faster, cheaper, and better ocean observations to address critical issues related to climate change and ocean renewable energy, delivering: - Increase Ocean Observation Capacity: Most ocean profilers measure the water column as they descend. ASIP-NG is unique in that it profiles from below, ascending through the water column and resolving processes from the mixed layer depth to the air-sea interface. ASIP-NG can also be deployed in a moored configuration for measurements at ocean observatories and in a tidal environment. ASIP-NG is also autonomous allowing it to profile to a pre-programmed depth and specific intervals. - Technological Enhancements: ASIP-NG will have a radically designed profiling operation using a buoyancy engine which will allow it to change its density by moving oil from an internal reservoir to an external inflatable bladder. This will allow it to descend, ascend, or assume neutral buoyancy at any depth. ASIP-NG will also possess much improved battery technology using lithium-ion chemistry for longer deployment times. There will be a upgraded data acquisition system which can acquire data from analogue or digital sensors. - Multidisciplinary Sensor Suite: ASIP-NG will be equipped with improved physical sensors as well as additional sensor technology ocean biochemistry. This will open up possibilities to advance the national observational capacity to both marine energy and biological marine resources: - Cyclops optical sensors to quantify primary production and biochemical compounds in the water (PAR, Fluorescence, CDOM/FDOM). - Honeywell Durafet pH-sensor for ocean acidification measurements. - Holograpic imaging system: in-line holographic camera to obtain images of plankton for quantification and species determination. - Nortek Vector 3D-current meter

Grant Approved

�199,599.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/12/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2019