ROV-based System for Sampling Planktonic Thin Layers

PI建议开发一种系统，该系统可以控制其相对于移动表面（如等密度线）的位置，并在定义的密度间隔内从非牛顿层中提取大量的水。这次取样是基于一个经过良好测试的遥控飞行器（Phantom）。他们将在车辆上安装CTD和颗粒传感器，并使用来自CTD的反馈来控制传感器相对于识别的密度间隔的位置。控制软件将允许在从层中提取多升水的同时，在过滤器上的延伸臂保持在选定的密度区间内。该系统将在潜水器上有两个不同的水取样系统：一个将把多达50个1升的样品泵入各个取样容器，另一个系统将通过连接到潜水器脐带缆的软管连续泵入水面。成像光学和声学传感器将表征聚集在薄层附近的较大浮游生物。拟议的采样系统将允许实验工作和生态分析的有机体内和周围的南极薄层，并将对我们的理解这些无处不在的功能的重要性产生重大影响。更广泛的影响这一建议提供了一个下一步的组成薄层现象，并遵循一个逻辑路径，在追求推进该领域。基本数据和知识与环境参数相关，而PI在适当的社区中处于良好的位置。这项工作将为当前和未来的薄层研究提供指导。通过这种方式，其他研究人员可以从拟议研究所提出的方法中受益。外联活动包括向成人教育方案传播结果。

The PI's propose to develop a system that can control its position relative to a moving surface (such as an isopycnal) and withdraw significant volumes of water from a planktonic layer within a defined density interval. This sampling is based system on a well-tested, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) known as the Phantom. They will install a CTD and particulate sensors on the vehicle and use the feedback from the CTD to control the position of the ROV relative to an identified density interval. The control software will allow an extension arm on the ROV to stay within the selected density interval while multiple liters of water is extracted from the layer. The system will have two distinct water sampling systems on the ROV: one will pump up to 50 1-liter samples into individual sampling containers, while the other system will pump continuously to the surface through a hose coupled to the umbilical of the ROV. Imaging optics and acoustic transducers will characterize the larger plankton aggregated near the thin layers. The proposed sampling system will permit experimental work and ecological analyses of the organisms found within and around planktonic thin layers, and will have significant impact on our understanding of the importance of these ubiquitous features. Broader ImpactsThis proposal offers a next step in the composition of thin layer phenomenon and follows a logical path in the pursuit of advancing the field. The basic data and knowledge is correlated with environmental parameters while the PI's are well placed within the appropriate community. The work should provide guidance for current and future research into the thin layers. In this way, other researchers can benefit from the methods advanced by the proposed research. Outreach includes dissemination of the results to an adult education program.