Ocean Networks Canada

Question 1

What was traditional ocean exploration?

Answer 1

Ship-based and weather dependent

Question 2

What are delayed mode observing systems?

Answer 2

Data only retrieved when instruments recovered

Question 3

What is an autonomous ocean observatory?

Answer 3

Moored buoys that provide power to seafloor instruments and a satellite communication link to land

Question 4

What are cabled marine observatories?

Answer 4

Linked to land by submarine cables providing a limitless source of power and communications/internet connectivity

Question 5

What are the characteristics of observatory instrumentation?

Answer 5

Continous presence, high sampling frequency, co-located sensors, interactivity, abundant power, event detection

Question 6

What are the limitations of observatory instrumentation?

Answer 6

Not all variables of interest to a biologist can be measures (reproductive state, physiological condition, metabolism)

Question 7

What do zooplankton acoustic profilers do?

Answer 7

Measure presence and abundance of zooplankton and fish within the water column by measuring acoustic backscatter returns at multiple ultrasonic frequencies

Question 8

What instruments are on the buoy profiling system?

Answer 8

CTD, O2 sensors, Fluorometer, transmissometer

Question 9

How many profiles a day are taken by the BPS?

Answer 9

4 (every 6 hrs), parked at 200m 0.1m/s up, 0.2m/s down