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tended periods. Some supply continuous real-time data via a Topics studied span all facets of ocean science. Some promote cable connection to shore. cross-discipline cooperation, such as biological-physical cou-

A prime example is the Cabled Array in the NE Paci? c pling, while others entrain citizen science. Sustained observ-

Ocean. This observatory is part of the Ocean Observatories ing tackles understanding environmental impact and antici-

Initiative (OOI), funded by the US National Science Founda- pated climate changes. Long-term observing at high sampling tion (NSF). Engineered by the Applied Physics Laboratory / rates will reveal both rapid and slow-changing events. Poten-

University of Washington (APL / UW), the Cabled Array uses tially, this can provide the basis for early warning systems and dedicated telecoms cables. They provide a high voltage sup- lessons about adaption.

ply and high-speed communication links to nodes as far as Currents observed with ADCPs transport important water 500 km from shore. properties. Examples include heat, momentum, salt, nutrients,

Besides its high-tech infrastructure, the Cabled Array holds plankton, and invertebrate larvae. Large-scale research us- 150 instruments. Included are nine ADCPs operating at four ing the ADCP data will range from the dynamics of eastern different frequencies. They equip a range of sites that span dif- boundary currents to episodic events. Cross discipline studies ferent depths, environments, and scienti? c objectives. These will examine how water currents interact with the environ-

ADCPs are installed in three different ways: Shallow Pro? ler ment—from rough topography to ecosystems.

Moorings (SPM), Benthic Experiment Packages (BEP), and

Sea? oor Instrument Arrays (SIA). ADCPs — Many Uses

ADCPs analyze returning sound echoes to make four differ-

Water-Column Processes ent measurements at once.

One focus of the Cabled Array is water-column processes. o Speed and direction of water currents at many levels

Fig.2. ADCPs remotely sample the 200-m water column through which a

Shallow Pro? ler Mooring winches science pods.

The pods make 9 cycles per day, stopping a short distance below the sur- face.

Credit: University of Washington, NSF-OOI/ROPOS VISIONS ‘15 expedition.

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