CMOP Acquires REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) System

May 5, 2008

The Center for Coastal Margin Observation and Predication (CMOP) has purchased from Hydroid, LLC an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) system for its studies.

The REMUS (Remote Environmental Measuring Units) 100 is a compact, light-weight, AUV designed for operation in coastal environments up to 100 meters in depth. The CMOP system includes two AUV units, which will be operated by Russ Light's research team at Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington.

“We are all very excited that the AUV system will soon be delivered (May 2008). After a few months of training and familiarization, a workshop will be organized to introduce the technology to CMOP investigators. I expect lively discussions of how best to apply the AUV technology to address key CMOP scientific questions and augment other observations as part of the SATURN instrumentation network,” Light said.

The AUVs will be deployed in CMOP's experimental observation network as mobile platforms for oceanographic sensors. The environmental monitoring data they record will play a critical role in analyzing the impact of
humans on estuaries and coastal environments. The AUV will also be used to determine the influence of climate on physical and biological conditions and the variability of coastal margins and to identify the role of coastal margins in global elemental cycles.

“AUVs will add critically to our ability to observe high-gradient regions in the Columbia River plume, and perhaps even the estuary,” says CMOP director and OHSU professor António Baptista.

The two CMOP AUVs will be deployed periodically throughout each operational year. CMOP will be able to acquire or adapt specialized sensors and cameras to the AUV and configure the vehicle to meet specific scientific objectives.

Visit APL-UW project site to learn more.