Mooring developments for autonomous ocean-sampling networks

Abstract

Two general-purpose mooring designs have been developed to support autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations in autonomous ocean sampling networks (AOSNs). These moorings provide two-way communications between investigators and AUVs docked on the moorings or conducting survey operations some distance from the moorings. A deep-water design that incorporates an AUV dock and recharging station was built for use in the Labrador Sea during the winter of 1997/1998. This severe winter environment required a robust design that could operate unattended for six months while isolating the dock from surface wave motion. A much lighter, easier-to-deploy design was developed for use in coastal waters to extend the nearshore AOSN operating area by extending the communications network. This coastal design has been deployed without the dock component and has typically been configured for use in a small network of moorings maintained with a small research vessel. The deep-water mooring has been deployed successfully on two occasions, for short periods of time. The coastal moorings have been deployed a number of times and have proven to be quite effective. This paper describes the two moorings in detail and provides information on their performance so that interested investigators can utilize the technology where it meets their needs.