Oceanus
R/V Oceanus

Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) sensors are in situ instruments used to measure water depth, pressure, salinity, temperature, and density in the ocean. CTD sensors can be deployed on various water-based platforms such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), buoys, gliders, or research vessels. When mounted on a vessel, CTD sensors are usually attached to a rosette and then lowered to the seafloor to record water properties. These sensors typically sample at 30 Hz and can provide accurate measurements at specific water depths according to the researcher's needs.

Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.

Generic-Radiometers refer to non-specific radiometers on a platform. These are typically passive microwave radiometers that measure brightness temperature. Radiometers can be used to retrieve temperature and water vapor profiles, soil moisture content, ocean salinity, precipitation and cloud properties, and vegetation.

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is an in situ acoustic sensor used to measure ocean currents. ADCP utilizes the Doppler effect to detect sound waves, providing measurements of the speed and direction of currents throughout the water column. It can be easily mounted on various water platforms such as ships, buoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Additionally, it can be deployed on the seafloor to deliver profile measurements of ocean currents.

The Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer (SUNA) is an optical sensor made by Sea-Bird Scientific. It detects nitrate levels by measuring absorption in the ultraviolet light range (190-370 nm). SUNA usually has a depth limit of 500 meters, with some models rated for 2000 meters for deep ocean research. It is used from research vessels, floats, gliders, and other water-based platforms.

Fluorometers are water-based sensors that measure patterns of fluorescence. They provide measurements of chlorophyll-a fluorescence, optical backscatter, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in seawater. They are typical used to asses chlorophyll concentrations to determine phytoplankton concentrations in the ocean. Fluorometers can be deployed on research vessels, buoys, autonomous underwater vehicles, and other water-based platforms.

A thermosalinograph (TSG) is an in situ shipborne instrument used to measure sea surface temperature and conductivity. TSGs are typically mounted near the ship’s seawater intake where they collect continuous measurements. A TSG uses a conductivity cell and a thermistor cell to measure conductivity and temperature from underway vessels. These measurements can be used to derive salinity and other ocean parameters.

Salinometers are in situ instruments used to measure the salinity of water. Most salinometers measure salinity by detecting the electrical conductivity of the water sample. They are easily portable and provide continuous, real-time, precise measurements of salinity. Salinometers are used for oceanography research, water quality management, and industrial processes.