Real-Time Data Resources from Ocean Observing Systems
Underwater Nodes
In the past, when scientists wanted to deploy instruments on the seafloor, they would have to use large battery packs to power their instruments, and wait months until the instrument was recovered to see their data. Cabled observatories are eliminating these two restrictions. A cabled node is essentially long extension cord that contains both power and communications lines. Researchers are able plug in their instruments into a node and directly communicate and control their instruments on the seafloor, retrieving data back in real-time. Only a few such observatories have been built, and most do not yet run year-round. However, plans are in the works to install several more within the next few years.
- LEO-15
First installed in the mid-1990’s, this prototype node contains bottom wave and water sensors and an automated profiling sensor package that travels up and down the water column to measure vertical changes. - Martha’s
Vineyard Coastal Observatory
Provides real-time weather and water data off the Massachusetts coast.
