Technology used
Technology for observing ocean climate has to meet stringent requirements for long-term, accurate measurements. Otherwise, we would not know whether slow changes in sea level or temperatures were caused by instrument drift or by real changes in the environment. In the harsh environment of the ocean this is a tough challenge.
An approach that works for some measurements, such as pressure, is to keep the instruments at sea for very long periods, up to 10 years. Drift in pressure sensors reduces year by year, and highly accurate measurements of sea level can be obtained. Data capsules periodically release data to the surface.
In other cases, keeping instruments in the ocean would be counterproductive, where accurate measurements depend on periodic calibration in the laboratory. Strings on instruments on moorings have to be recovered and serviced on a regular basis. We are always looking for new technology to reduce the servicing frequency.
Technology for the study of ocean biology also contributes to our understanding of oceans and climate. To find out more about how carbon incorporated into plants and animals near the sea surface finds its way to the seabed we have developed a novel trapping device. Pelagra floats at preset depths to capture 'marine snow', carbon rich material that is falling to the seabed.
