GLIN==> UPCOMING SEMINAR

[Kanika Suri <Kanika.Suri@noaa.gov>]

Dr. John Vesecky, from the Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences 
Department at the University of Michigan, will be giving a seminar on 
Tuesday November 7, as a part of the NOAA/ University of Michigan Great 
Lakes and Human Health Seminar Series.

Please find details of his talk listed below.

Title: Station/formation keeping mini-buoy for use in a wireless 
networked buoy array

Speaker: Dr. John Vesecky, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences 
Department at the University of Michigan

Date: Tuesday, November 7

Time: 1030 AM

Location: NOAA/ GLERL
             2205 Commonwealth Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48105

Abstract:
Persistent ocean observations with high time and space resolution as 
well as extent have long been a goal for ocean observation systems. We 
present the design and prototype test of a propelled mini-buoy that can 
move at speeds of about 20 cm/s for extended periods while making ocean 
measurements, storing the data and communicating with neighboring buoys 
in a wireless networked, mini-buoy array. GPS allows knowledge of 
geographical position and a digital compass indicates orientation and 
tilt. This capability can be used to keep geographical station to GPS 
accuracy (several meters or less) in surface currents as high as 20 cm/s 
for a few days and possibly more. Alternatively propulsion can be used 
for formation keeping in a moving array as well as changing the array 
configuration. Higher positional accuracy (< 1 m) relative to other 
buoys in the array is possible through collective processing of GPS 
pseudo range data from all buoys in an array. Communication of data over 
long distances would be via a "mother buoy" or vessel near a mini-buoy 
array. The buoy is about a meter long and remains largely submerged to 
reduce wind-forced movement. Low power consumption was a goal throughout 
the design. The sensor complement for this prototype is governed by 
general interest as well as its initial application to ocean surface 
truth for airborne hyperspectral sensors in collaboration with the 
Airborne Sensors Group at NASA Ames Research Center. Ocean color and 
related measurements are emphasized. The sensors included in the 
prototype enable measurements of the solar irradiance at the ocean 
surface, upwelling hyperspectrum (256 bands from 300 to 900 nm), SST and 
buoy internal temperature, 10-20,000 Hz hydrophone, 3-axis 
accelerometers and tilt sensors for wave measurements and a GPS and 
digital compass for navigation. A 1 GB flash memory card allows 
significant storage of data on board. The fiberglass buoy structure is 
composed of three pods connected by vertical spars with the 
communication and some sensor electronics in the top pod, control and 
sensor electronics in the middle pod and batteries and some sensor 
equipment in the bottom pod. The pod and spar construction is intended 
to reduce drag. Propulsion is by two 2 Watt DC motors that are 
controlled to determine the direction and speed of motion for geographic 
or relative station keeping. Communication for this prototype is short 
range using 900 MHz (802.11) wireless technology. This report emphasizes 
the design, testing and demonstration of this prototype as well as plans 
for wireless networked, mini- buoy arrays and an initial application to 
harmful algal blooms in Monterey Bay.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, just a reminder that Dr. Stuart Ludsin's seminar titled 
"Ecological consequences of hypoxia in coastal systems: case studies of 
Lake Erie, Chesapeake Bay, and the northern Gulf of Mexico" is scheduled 
for tomorrow (11/1) at 1030am at GLERL. Details can be found on our 
website.


If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at 
kanika.suri@noaa.gov; or call 734-741-2147.

For more information about the seminar series, please visit our website 
at http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/news/seminars/

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Kanika Suri
Web Designer Associate

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
2205 Commonwealth Blvd.,
Ann Arbor, MI
48105

Tel: (734) 741-2147
Fax: (734) 741-2055

www.glerl.noaa.gov

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