R/V RHB
R/V Ronald H. Brown

Sunphotometers are passive optical sensors that measure the amount of sunlight. They are pointed directly at the sun to measure direct sunlight, not sunlight scattered by aerosols. These measurements can be used to determine aerosol optical depth by applying Beer’s Law. Sunphotometers have been deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and field sites for aerosol research and monitoring.

The Multibeam Echo Sounder System (MBES) is an active sonar device that collects bathymetric measurements. MBES works by sending out a sound pulse and detecting objects in the water through the returning echoes. It records the time and angle of each echo to produce a high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) map of the seafloor. High-frequency systems (100-1000 kHz) are typically used in shallow waters and can operate at depths as shallow as 1 meter. Lower-frequency systems (10-70 kHz) are suitable for deeper waters (more than 10 km deep) and can be mounted on large research ships.

A pyrgeometer is a ground-based or airborne passive radiation sensor that measures downward and upward longwave radiation in the 4-50 μm spectral range. It uses a thermopile sensor to detect changes in resistance or voltage, which are then used to determine longwave radiation. These measurements can be used to calculate the infrared radiation flux. Pyrgeometers are typically used for climatological, meteorological, and agricultural applications.

Video cameras capture footage of various phenomena for research. They are used on aircraft to provide continuous views of weather and terrain below the flight path. Video cameras are also employed to verify the aircraft's flight track. Additionally, they are deployed at field sites to monitor changes in vegetation, land cover, clouds, air quality, glaciers, and other Earth science phenomena.

A pyranometer is a ground-based or airborne radiation sensor that measures solar irradiance over a hemispherical field of view. It detects the amount of solar energy reaching the surface, capturing both direct and diffuse sunlight. Pyranometers operate across a spectral range of 280-3000 nm. They are most commonly used for solar monitoring, climate research, weather forecasting, agriculture, and energy management.

The Hyperspectral Surface Acquisition System Polarimeter (HyperSAS-POL) is a hyperspectral radiometer developed by the Optical Remote Sensing Laboratory at City College of New York (CCNY). It is typically deployed on research vessels and other water-based platforms. It measures sky and sea radiance across 180 wavelengths from 305 to 905 nm at a single azimuthal angle. HyperSAS-POL records data every 30 minutes to produce high-resolution time series.

LI-COR Gas Analyzers are in situ gas analyzers manufactured by LI-COR. They can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, vehicles, balloons, and ground-based platforms. They provide measurements of trace gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O). Most models use Optical Feedback-Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OF-CEAS) to collect measurements. LI-COR gas analyzers have a typical measurement rate of 1 Hz and an operating temperature range of -25 to 45 degrees Celsius.

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

Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.

The Multi-Angle SCattering Optical Tool (MASCOT) is an in situ water-based optical sensor developed by WET Labs, Inc. It measures the volume scattering function (VSF) of monochromatic light (658 nm) in an open volume. It operates across 17 scattering angles from 10 to 170 degrees at 10-degree intervals. MASCOT has a sampling rate of 20 Hz and a field of view ranging from 0.8 to 5 degrees.

The LISST Submersible Particle Size Analyzer is a water-based, in situ particle analyzer manufactured by Sequoia Scientific. It uses laser diffraction to measure suspended particle size and concentration in aquatic environments, including the ocean, rivers, lakes, and streams. It provides particle size distribution from 1 μm to 500 μm across 36 size ranges. It has a maximum operating depth of 600 m, a resolution of 0.01 m, and a typical sampling rate of 1 Hz. The instrument's laser operates at 670 nm with an optical path of 25 mm.

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

Thermistors are in situ resistance thermometers made from semiconductor materials whose electrical resistance varies with temperature. They measure temperature by detecting changes in resistance. In Earth science, thermistors are used to measure air temperature, sea surface temperature, and soil temperature.

The Absorption and Attenuation Meter (ac-9) is an in situ water-based spectrophotometer by WET Labs, Inc. It measures water's attenuation and absorption simultaneously across a spectral range of 412-715 nm. It can operate at depths of up to 500 or 5000 meters and has a nominal sample rate of 6 Hz.

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

The Riegl Laser Distance Meter is a ground-based lidar system manufactured by Riegl Laser Measurement Systems. It is a multi-purpose lidar system based on precise time-of-flight laser range measurements. It is used for accurate distance measurements in multi-target scenarios, such as measuring wave height. The Riegl Laser Distance Meter operates in the near-infrared (~0.9 μm) and has a measurement range of up to 1300 meters, depending on the operating mode. It has a measurement rate of up to 2000 Hz and can detect a maximum of about 3 to 4 targets.

The Wave and Surface Current Monitoring System (WaMoS II) is an X-band marine radar manufactured by Rutter Inc. It measures radar backscatter to determine the 2-dimensional wave spectrum, significant wave height, wave direction, wave period, and surface current. It operates at 9.41 GHz and has a range resolution of 8.5 m. It can detect wavelengths from 15 to 600 meters and wave periods from 4 to 16 seconds. WaMoS II takes about 2 minutes between measurements, providing real-time data for major sea state parameters.

The Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometer (APIMS) is an in situ spectrometer manufactured by Process Insights. It has been deployed on aircraft, research ships, and field sites to measure ultra-high-purity gases, including oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrogen. It uses Atmospheric Pressure Ionization (API) techniques and mass spectrometry to quantify gas concentrations. APIMS provides results for each component in about 1 second and can detect concentrations below 5 ppt, depending on the gas.

Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that directly measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a specified period. Different types of rain gauges, such as tipping buckets and weighing gauges, collect and record data in various ways. Because of their small size and easy setup, rain gauges can be placed in different locations and are often used alongside other precipitation instruments, such as disdrometers, to gather additional details, such as precipitation rate and size distribution.

The High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) is an in situ ground-based analyzer that separates and identifies components in a sample of air or a mixture. It works by injecting a liquid into the sample, causing different flow rates for each component as they pass through the column. As each component exits the column, its concentration is measured at high resolution. In Earth science research, HPLC is commonly used to detect various trace species in the atmosphere, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although primarily used for laboratory analysis and ground-based measurements, it can also be employed for airborne measurements.

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensors are in situ optical devices used to study photosynthesis and plant physiology. They detect light between 400 and 700 nm and convert it into signals for PAR measurement. PAR sensors can be mounted on ground- or water-based platforms or be portable and handheld. They are primarily used in agriculture, such as monitoring crop growth and analyzing light distribution in plant canopies, but they are also employed to study phytoplankton and aquatic productivity.

The Shipborne Wave Height Meter (SWHM) is a shipborne Doppler radar manufactured by Tsurumi-Seiki (TSK). It is a nadir-looking microwave Doppler radar that continuously measures wave height. SWHM measures wave height from 0 to 14.5 m with a resolution of 1.45 cm. It operates at 10.525 GHz and has a typical sampling frequency of 10 Hz.

The ECO BB9 Backscattering Sensor is an in situ water-based optical sensor manufactured by WET Labs, Inc. It measures scattering at 9 wavelengths (412-715 nm) at a 117-degree angle. It can provide scattering measurements to an ocean depth of 600 m and in temperatures from 0 to 30 degrees Celsius. ECO BB9 has a sample rate of 1 Hz.

Spectrometers are instruments that separate and analyze the spectral components of a substance. They typically measure electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected, absorbed, or transmitted by a sample. Spectrometers operate across the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum. The most common types include optical, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometers. They can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, vehicles, and other ground-based platforms.

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is an in situ acoustic sensor that measures ocean currents. It uses the Doppler effect to detect sound waves, providing measurements of current speed and direction 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 provide profile measurements of ocean currents.

The Multi-spectral Volume Scattering Meter (MVSM) is an in situ water-based optical instrument. It measures the volume scattering function (VSF) across eight wavelength bands (443-620 nm) at scattering angles from 0.5 to 179 degrees, with 0.25-degree intervals. It can also operate at a single wavelength of 532 nm. The device uses a rotating prism and provides two VSF measurements: one from 90 to 180 degrees in ascending order and another from 180 to 360 degrees in descending order. The MVSM has a sample volume of 1.5 liters and collects measurements in about 1 minute per band.

Ceilometers are ground-based remote-sensing instruments that measure cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use a laser or another light source to detect backscatter from clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers provide detailed, precise measurements in all weather conditions and are cost-effective to operate. They are commonly used in boundary-layer and cloud research.

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

The Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Wind Profiler is a ground-based Doppler radar that measures electromagnetic signals to determine wind speed and direction. UHF Wind Profilers operate in the 300-1000 MHz frequency range. Because of their high operating frequency, they provide high-resolution wind measurements within the boundary layer.

Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that directly measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a specified period. Different types of rain gauges, such as tipping buckets and weighing gauges, collect and record data in various ways. Because of their small size and easy setup, rain gauges can be placed in different locations and are often used alongside other precipitation instruments, such as disdrometers, to gather additional details, such as precipitation rate and size distribution.

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.

A thermosalinograph (TSG) is an in situ, shipborne instrument that measures 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.

S-band radars are ground-based or shipborne radars that operate in the 2-4 GHz frequency range. They provide measurements of radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and other radar parameters to characterize precipitation and clouds. They are not easily attenuated, making them useful for near- and far-range weather observations.

C-band radars operate in the 4-8 GHz frequency range. They provide measurements of radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and other parameters to characterize precipitation and clouds. C-band radars are typically used for short-range weather observations because they are more prone to attenuation.

Sunphotometers are passive optical sensors that measure the amount of sunlight. They are pointed directly at the sun to measure direct sunlight, not sunlight scattered by aerosols. These measurements can be used to determine aerosol optical depth by applying Beer’s Law. Sunphotometers have been deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and field sites for aerosol research and monitoring.

A pyrgeometer is a ground-based or airborne passive radiation sensor that measures downward and upward longwave radiation in the 4-50 μm spectral range. It uses a thermopile sensor to detect changes in resistance or voltage, which are then used to determine longwave radiation. These measurements can be used to calculate the infrared radiation flux. Pyrgeometers are typically used for climatological, meteorological, and agricultural applications.

A pyranometer is a ground-based or airborne radiation sensor that measures solar irradiance over a hemispherical field of view. It detects the amount of solar energy reaching the surface, capturing both direct and diffuse sunlight. Pyranometers operate across a spectral range of 280-3000 nm. They are most commonly used for solar monitoring, climate research, weather forecasting, agriculture, and energy management.

LI-COR Gas Analyzers are in situ gas analyzers manufactured by LI-COR. They can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, vehicles, balloons, and ground-based platforms. They provide measurements of trace gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O). Most models use Optical Feedback-Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OF-CEAS) to collect measurements. LI-COR gas analyzers have a typical measurement rate of 1 Hz and an operating temperature range of -25 to 45 degrees Celsius.

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

Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.

Digital cameras provide imagery for research applications. Cameras are mounted on aircraft to collect aerial imagery for mapping and surveying, environmental monitoring, cloud observations, agriculture, geological studies, and other Earth science applications. They are also deployed at field sites to capture visual observations that monitor changes in land cover, vegetation, clouds, air quality, glaciers, and other phenomena.

The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser operates at 1603 nm, while 1651 nm is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes for gas concentrations.

The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) is a ground-based passive interferometer developed by the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center (UW-SSEC) for the Department of Energy (DoE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program. It uses Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure downwelling thermal infrared emissions from the atmosphere. These measurements provide profiles of atmospheric temperature and water vapor and help detect trace gases. AERI operates across the 3.3-19 μm spectral range and up to 25 μm for the extended-range version of the instrument. It has an optimal vertical resolution of 100 meters and completes a full-sky scan about every 20 seconds.

The Micro-pulse Doppler (MicroDop) Lidar is a scanning Doppler lidar system operated by the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory. It measures lidar backscatter at approximately 1.5 μm to provide profiles of horizontal winds and aerosol backscatter intensity (ABI). MicroDop has a vertical resolution of 33.6 m, a maximum range of 7 km, and a typical temporal resolution of 2 Hz. It can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and ground-based platforms.

W-band radars are highly sensitive radars used for atmospheric research. They operate around 94-95 GHz, enabling the detection of small water droplets. W-band radars are used for cloud and precipitation studies because they provide more detailed observations than typical weather radars. They can be deployed on research vessels, aircraft, and mobile ground-based platforms.

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

The Remote Ocean Surface Radiometer (ROSR) is a shipborne infrared radiometer developed by the Remote Measurements and Research Company. It measures sea surface skin temperature using a pitch-roll sensor. ROSR can provide autonomous, continuous observations from a ship or buoy for approximately 6 months. It completes a measurement cycle in 285 seconds and has an accuracy of 0.1 K.

The Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) is an in situ spectrometer manufactured by TSI Instruments. It measures aerodynamic particles in the 0.5-20 μm size range and light-scattering intensity in the 0.37-20 μm optical size range. The APS provides particle size distributions for 52 channels at a typical sampling time of 1 second. It uses a laser diode operating at 655 nm and has a size resolution of 0.02 μm at 1 μm. The APS can be deployed on aircraft, ships, or ground-based platforms.

The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is an in situ optical sensor produced by Droplet Measurement Technologies and TSI, Inc. It detects cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) by supersaturating the sampled air, making CCN particles detectable. The particles are then measured by an optical particle counter (OPC). The CNC detects particles from 0.75 to 10 μm in diameter and operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based operations.

Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that directly measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a specified period. Different types of rain gauges, such as tipping buckets and weighing gauges, collect and record data in various ways. Because of their small size and easy setup, rain gauges can be placed in different locations and are often used alongside other precipitation instruments, such as disdrometers, to gather additional details, such as precipitation rate and size distribution.

Nephelometers are in situ optical sensors that can be airborne or ground-based. They measure the total scattering and backscattering of atmospheric aerosol particles. Nephelometers operate at three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 700 nm, with a typical time resolution of 1 Hz.

The Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) is an in situ airborne photometer manufactured by Radiance Research. It applies Beer's Law to measure changes in light transmission caused by aerosol particles. These measurements help determine aerosol absorption and extinction. The PSAP operates at three wavelengths (467, 530, and 660 nm) and has a 1-second time resolution. It is typically deployed on aircraft but can also be used on ships and vehicles.

Thermo Scientific Gas Analyzers are in situ gas analyzers manufactured by ThermoFisher Scientific. They provide precise measurements of trace gases, including ozone, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Thermo Scientific Gas Analyzers can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and ground-based platforms.

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is an in situ acoustic sensor that measures ocean currents. It uses the Doppler effect to detect sound waves, providing measurements of current speed and direction 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 provide profile measurements of ocean currents.

Ceilometers are ground-based remote-sensing instruments that measure cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use a laser or another light source to detect backscatter from clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers provide detailed, precise measurements in all weather conditions and are cost-effective to operate. They are commonly used in boundary-layer and cloud research.