CMOP Distinguished Lecture: James Bellingham 11/29

James Bellingham
Chief Technologist
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Paul Clayton Building - Room 401
OGI School of Science & Engineering
Oregon Health & Science University

Nov 29, 2007 at 3:00pm

Topic:
Reconfiguring Ocean Observation Systems in Real Time

Abstract

Scientific and technical advances are converging to provide the ocean sciences vastly improved flexibility in observing the ocean. Not only is it possible to make many more measurements, but mobile robotic platforms are providing the ability to reconfigure an observation system at will.

The present generation of gliders and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are already enabling dense sampling of regions many thousands of square kilometers in extent. Newer vehicles, and improvements of existing vehicles, will allow mobile robots to roam on basin scales. Because these vehicles are often in communication with shore, their sampling patterns can be changed. They can even be programmed to adapt their observations autonomously.

But how should reconfigurability be used? What are the fundamental trade-offs with respect to sampling a three dimensional field which evolves in time, using slowly moving platforms? When should one adapt the observation system to respond to evolving understanding of the ocean fields, and when should one resist the impulse to meddle?

In this presentation the capabilities and limitations of emerging ocean observing technology will be introduced and the benefits of adaptive sampling demonstrated in terms of system performance.

An overview of analytical methods for evaluating observation design will be given, providing some design rules of thumb for synoptic sampling of ocean fields and fluxes. The synergies and demands of adaptive sampling when physics-based models are employed to synthesize and predict ocean conditions will be outlined. Finally, opportunities for research in this comparatively new and high-impact field will be discussed.

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Dr. Bellingham's agenda for November 29th and 30th (PDF)

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