SeaGlider
SeaGlider

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.

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.

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 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.

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.