SGER: Improving the Dynamic Size Range of Measurement and Quantification of Marine Particulates

海洋中的颗粒通常按大小（例如光学，电子或声学）或大小和类型（例如专家或图像分析）进行分类。一般来说，前者是快速的，大规模的，原位的，常规的，而后者是较慢的，小规模的，基于实验室的，实验性的。PI将使用原位成像和随后的图像分析来评估激光光学浮游生物计数器（LOPC）的原位测量结果。 PI将与他们正在进行的NSF MRI项目一起开展这项工作。测量还将解决NSF MRI项目中的具体操作问题。 SGER资金是适当的，因为（a）相关的，正在进行的项目将在两年内结束，这项工作最好是结合它进行，（B）这项工作是新颖的，有风险。拟议的项目包括LOPC和原位相机的多个同时部署，以在从蓝色海洋水到富含水的水体，再到具有丰富聚合物的水体的各种条件下获取光学和图像数据。其结果将是提高从LOPC的常规部署（无论是来自船舶、浮标还是浮子）推断颗粒类型和大小的能力。为了更好地了解包括碳循环在内的大洋过程中的微粒和浮游生物，需要这种信息。更广泛的影响：PI将确定一个或多个教育工作者陪同他们在2005年春季巡航。 教育者将与巡航中的PI互动，并帮助仪器部署和数据采集。 教育工作者将能够利用这种船上经验，将新开发的技术和研究元素带入他们的教学和项目开发中。

Particles in the ocean are most often classified by size (e.g. optically, electronically, or acoustically) or both size and type (e.g. by experts or image analysis). In general, the first is rapid, broad-scale, in situ, and routine while the latter is slower, smaller scale, lab-based, and experimental. The PIs will use in situ imaging, and subsequent image analysis, to assess in situ measurements from the Laser Optical Plankton Counter (LOPC). The PIs will be conducting this work in conjunction with their on-going NSF MRI project. The measurements will also address specific operational issues within the NSF MRI project. SGER funds are appropriate because (a) the related, on-going project will end in two years and this work is best conducted in conjunction it, and (b) the work is novel and with risk. The proposed project consists of multiple, simultaneous deployments of the LOPC and an in situ camera to acquire optical and image data in conditions ranging from blue, oceanic water, to plankton-rich water, to water with abundant aggregates. The result will be an improved ability to infer particle type as well as size from routine deployment of the LOPC, be it from a ship, buoy, or float. Such information is needed for a better understanding of particles and plankton in pelagic processes, including the carbon cycle. Broader Impacts: The PIs will identify one or more educators to accompany them on their Spring 2005 cruise. The educator(s) will interact with the PIs on the cruise and help with the instrument deployments and data acquisition. The educator(s) will be able to use this shipboard experience to bring elements of the newly developed technology and research into their teaching and program development.