Adapting open-source drone autopilots for real-time iceberg observations

Carlson, Daniel F.; Rysgaard, Søren

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2018.09.003

Cited by 14 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…ship-based profiles and moored observations that describe the water column at a fixed location). Moving towards an observational Lagrangian framework will require the deployment of new technology such as the recent development of low-cost GPS trackers which, especially when combined with in situ sensors, may improve our understanding of the transport and mixing of heat, freshwater, sediment and nutrients downstream of glaciers (Carlson et al, 2017;Carlson and Rysgaard, 2018). For example, GPS trackers deployed on "bergy bits" have revealed evidence of small-scale, retentive eddies in Godthåbsfjord (Carlson et al, 2017) and characterized the surface flow variability in Sermilik Fjord (Sutherland et al, 2014).…”

Section: A Need For New Approaches?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Review article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

et al. 2020

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Abstract. Freshwater discharge from glaciers is increasing across the Arctic in response to anthropogenic climate change, which raises questions about the potential downstream effects in the marine environment. Whilst a combination of long-term monitoring programmes and intensive Arctic field campaigns have improved our knowledge of glacier–ocean interactions in recent years, especially with respect to fjord/ocean circulation, there are extensive knowledge gaps concerning how glaciers affect marine biogeochemistry and productivity. Following two cross-cutting disciplinary International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) workshops addressing the importance of glaciers for the marine ecosystem, here we review the state of the art concerning how freshwater discharge affects the marine environment with a specific focus on marine biogeochemistry and biological productivity. Using a series of Arctic case studies (Nuup Kangerlua/Godthåbsfjord, Kongsfjorden, Kangerluarsuup Sermia/Bowdoin Fjord, Young Sound and Sermilik Fjord), the interconnected effects of freshwater discharge on fjord–shelf exchange, nutrient availability, the carbonate system, the carbon cycle and the microbial food web are investigated. Key findings are that whether the effect of glacier discharge on marine primary production is positive or negative is highly dependent on a combination of factors. These include glacier type (marine- or land-terminating), fjord–glacier geometry and the limiting resource(s) for phytoplankton growth in a specific spatio-temporal region (light, macronutrients or micronutrients). Arctic glacier fjords therefore often exhibit distinct discharge–productivity relationships, and multiple case-studies must be considered in order to understand the net effects of glacier discharge on Arctic marine ecosystems.

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Section: A Need For New Approaches?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Review article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

et al. 2020

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“…Moving towards an observational Lagrangian framework will require the deployment of new technology such as the recent development of low-cost GPS trackers which, especially when combined with in situ sensors, may improve our understanding of the transport and mixing of heat, freshwater, sediments, and nutrients downstream of glaciers (Carlson et al, 2017;Carlson and Rysgaard, 2018). For example, GPS trackers deployed on 'bergy bits' have https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2019-136 Preprint.…”

Section: A Need For New Approaches?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Review Article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

Hopwood¹,

Carroll²,

Dunse³

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Abstract. Freshwater discharge from glaciers is increasing across the Artic in response to anthropogenic climate change, which raises questions about the potential downstream effects in the marine environment. Whilst a combination of long-term monitoring programmes and intensive Arctic field campaigns have improved our knowledge of glacier-ocean interactions in recent years, especially with respect to fjord/ocean circulation in the marine environment, there are extensive knowledge gaps concerning how glaciers affect marine biogeochemistry and productivity. Following two cross-cutting disciplinary International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) workshops addressing ‘The importance of glaciers for the marine ecosystem’, here we review the state of the art concerning how freshwater discharge affects the marine environment with a specific focus on marine biogeochemistry and biological productivity. Using a series of Arctic case studies (Nuup Kangerlua/Godthåbsfjord, Kongsfjorden, Bowdoin Fjord, Young Sound, and Sermilik Fjord), the interconnected effects of freshwater discharge on fjord-shelf exchange, nutrient availability, the carbonate system, and the microbial foodweb are investigated. Key findings are that whether the effect of glacier discharge on marine primary production is positive, or negative is highly dependent on a combination of factors. These include glacier type (marine- or land-terminating) and the limiting resource for phytoplankton growth in a specific spatiotemporal region (light, macronutrients or micronutrients). Glacier fjords therefore often exhibit distinct discharge-productivity relationships and multiple case-studies must be considered in order to understand the net effects of glacier discharge on Arctic marine ecosystems.

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“…Thus, the sampling system should take inputs from the drone's flight controller while providing its own power and processor. The sampling system should be capable of carrying and releasing a small GPS tracker, in the form of either an Expendable Iceberg Tracker (Carlson et al, 2017) or a real-time iceberg tracker (Carlson and Rysgaard, 2018). The sampling system should provide a warning if the iceberg rolls and should provide sufficient buoyancy in the event of an emergency water landing or to permit recovery in the event of a crash.…”

Section: Ice Sampling System Requirementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Retrieval of Ice Samples Using the Ice Drone

et al. 2019

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The ecological impacts of meltwater produced by icebergs and sea ice in the waters around Greenland are poorly understood, due in part to limited observations. Current field sampling methods are resource and labor-intensive, and not without significant risk. We developed a small, unoccupied, and robotic platform to retrieve ice samples, while simultaneously eliminating safety risks to scientists and their support infrastructure. The IceDrone consists of a modified commercial hexcopter that retrieves ice samples. We describe the design requirements, construction, and testing of the IceDrone. IceDrone's capabilities were validated in the laboratory and during a field test in January 2019 near Nuuk (southwest Greenland). IceDrone retrieved samples in hard and dry glacial ice in harsh winter conditions. The field test led to modifications in the drilling head design and drilling process that enable it to retrieve samples in thin sea ice. All design files and software are provided in an attempt to rapidly enhance our collective understanding of ice-ocean interactions while improving the safety and productivity of field sampling campaigns.

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Adapting open-source drone autopilots for real-time iceberg observations

Cited by 14 publications

References 39 publications

Review article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

Review article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

Review Article: How does glacier discharge affect marine biogeochemistry and primary production in the Arctic?

Retrieval of Ice Samples Using the Ice Drone

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