Theme D - R&D on Observation Systems

The fourth theme area for research is unique in its cross cutting nature. Observation system development ensures that there is state of the science research and development efforts brought to bear on the scientific problem. Platforms and instrumentation re-engineering, observing system reconfiguration, and data merging and display techniques modification takes place here. This is the engineering component of a smoothly operating research effort.

Extreme technology development focuses on rough weather deployable mooring, low detection optical/chemical sensors, high pressure/heat tolerant probes, optic/acoustic nets/pens for stock assessment, queryable communications, minimal/self tending arrays, non-fouling chemical sensors, aircraft deployable sensors/drifters/buoys. Improved ROVs and submersibles are among the technologies that need to be developed, refined or redesigned. Acquiring enabling technologies and platforms such as the potential addition of new SIO submersibles will significantly expand the research capabilities of the JIMO.

Systems engineering evaluation allows a probing look at the optimal design at the observation system as a system rather than a sum of the components. The goal is to evaluate the existing observing systems and optimize the system at all levels including sensor, instrumentation, platform and sampling design and to reassess the systems architecture at various intervals. Such an ongoing in-depth look at observing systems will ensure the evolution of the systems as the state of the art of science develops.

Information systems management will be in close collaboration with the NOAA units that have direct responsibility for this function. Quality assurance and control of data as well as the dissemination of that data to scientific users is a critical function.

Systems modeling and simulation is an essential part of the information transfer of the research. Here the data is presented to give the most information to the potential user. The scientific models may be coupled with socio-economic or development models for use in policy making. The appropriate simulation and animation techniques can also help in the dissemination of the data for educational purposes to the public or K-12 level.