UACE: Echosounder observations from an unmanned surface vessel in the Arctic



    • Session:
      Acoustics in polar environments
    • Paper:
      Echosounder observations from an unmanned surface vessel in the Arctic
    • Author(s):
      Asuka Yamakawa, Jenny Ullgren, Rune Øyerhamn
    • Abstract:
      The Arctic marine ecosystem is sensitive to human-induced changes, such as acidification caused by CO2 emissions. More knowledge is needed of the physical and chemical processes in the region, and their effects on biological production. Two SailBuoys, small autonomous sailing platforms, were deployed in the Fram Strait for three weeks in June-July 2016 to collect in-situ data at high spatial and temporal resolutions. One of the SailBuoys (“SB Nexos”) was equipped with a 200 kHz echosounder for the purpose of detecting marine organisms, and the other (“SB IceEdge”) with a new sensor suite designed to measure parameters relevant to ocean acidification. \nA total of 79 echosounder recordings are available for the study. Echosounder data from the upper 100 m are converted to echograms and objects in the images are identified. In this study, all the identified objects are assumed to be organisms and categorized. \nOther in situ data (XBT profiles) obtained during the 2016 research cruise, and satellite remote sensing data - chlorophyll and wind speed - are also available as independent variables. Each categorized object data is corresponded to the independent variables with the smallest position or time difference. The relationship between the behaviour of the categorized organisms and the physical and chemical independent variables are then analysed and discussed. \n
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    Contact details

    • Contact person:
      Dr Asuka Yamakawa
    • e-mail:
    • Affiliation:
      Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center
    • Country:
      Norway