Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/UNOLS Fleet: The future of marine gravimetry for geophysical research by the UNOLS academic research vessel fleet

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The Potential Field Pool Equipment (PFPE) operated out of Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides marine gravimeter expertise, instrumentation and support to the United States oceanographic community, specifically the Academic Research Fleet (ARF). They propose to acquire a new DgS high-resolution advance technology (AT) marine gravimeter and integrate this new gravity acquisition system into the fleet of BGM-3 marine gravimeters currently in use. PFPE is funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and has been operating for several decades in support of academic potential fields measurements on research ships. Current BGM-3 gravimeter systems used in the ARF are between 30-40 years old. While these gravimeters produce excellent data, they contain electromechanical sensors that require extensive maintenance and care in handling/shipping, and they are ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) classified. New-generation gravimeters will provide significant advantage in operations and maintenance over time and are not subject to ITAR controls. One meter is proposed here:DgS AT gravimeter $348,146 Broader ImpactsThe principal impact of the present proposal is under Merit Review Criterion 2 of the Proposal Guidelines (NSF 19-602). It provides infrastructure support for scientists to use the vessel and its shared-use instrumentation in support of their NSF-funded oceanographic research projects (which individually undergo separate review by the relevant research program of NSF). The acquisition, maintenance and operation of shared-use instrumentation allows NSF-funded researchers from any US university or lab access to working, calibrated instruments for their research, reducing the cost of that research, and expanding the base of potential researchers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.