The Advanced Prototype of the Geohydroacoustic Ice Buoy

Abstract

The new-generation geohydroacoustic buoy prototype is designed for simultaneous acquisition of acoustic, hydroacoustic, and seismoacoustic data in various environmental conditions, including onshore and offshore boreholes, yet is specifically targeted for operation in Arctic seas as an element of the distributed ice-class drifting antennas. Modular structure of the geohydroacoustic ice buoy incorporates the advanced data logger and a combination of sensors: vector–scalar hydroacoustic (0.01–2.5 kHz) accelerometer, broadband molecular–electronic (0.03–50 Hz) velocimeter, as well as optional hydrophones. The distinguishing feature of the geohydroacoustic buoy is its low power consumption responsible for consistent autonomous operation of the entire measurement system for at least one week. Results of continuous laboratory tests carried out at the geophysical observatory of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GS RAS) in Obninsk are presented. It has been confirmed via comparative analysis of recorded time series featuring microseismic noise and teleseismic earthquakes that the prototype well meets the high standards of modern seismology.

Arctic-Type Seismoacoustic Waveguide: Theoretical Foundations and Experimental Results

“…Sea ice seismoacoustics is a relatively new, rapidly developing scientific field that requires the use of most innovative and, at the same time, cost-effective measurement and data acquisition systems [15]. An autonomous geohydroacoustic ice buoy, a detailed description of which is presented in [14], is used to measure low-amplitude broadband fluctuations of the ice cover. For use in extreme Arctic conditions associated with low temperatures and powerful ice pressure, the measuring element of the ice-class system should be well protected from external factors.…”

“…In addition, it should be noted that in recent decades, new technical solutions have been proposed that allow organizing long-term observations on ice fields in the Arctic. In this case, seismoacoustic data can be collected by autonomous drifting stations [14,15] without human participation and, subject to prompt processing, realize monitoring of changes in the characteristics of the Arctic waveguide. This can be used in the future to solve a practically important task-to estimate the seasonal and multiyear variability of sea ice thickness of freezing seas, including shelf zones.…”

Analysis and Prospects of an Antarctic Krill Detection Experiment Using Drifting Sonar Buoy

“…The experimental results indicate that the buoys have potential for Antarctic krill detection, offering a new solution for the analysis and assessment of krill stock and species. Compared to using research vessels for marine resource detection [4,44], sonar buoys have the following advantages and disadvantages outlined in Table 1 [45,46]. Below, the advantages and disadvantages of floating buoys are detailed.…”

A Meta-Analysis of Sea Ice Monitoring Using Spaceborne Polarimetric SAR: Advances in the Last Decade

“…Due to the broad coverage, the extremely harsh environment in the polar regions, and the near real-time requirements of some applications, remote sensing has become one of the main techniques for sea ice monitoring. Conventional sea ice monitoring methods include ice buoys [101], in situ ship observation [102], shore-based radar [103], and airborne lidar [104]. However, these methods are impractical for frequent and large-scale sea ice monitoring.…”