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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Remote Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2023) | Viewed by 24674

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Michel

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Guest Editor

Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
Interests: environmental chemical sensing for terrestrial, estuarine and coastal applications; nutrient sensing; electrochemistry approaches

Dr. Amy Mueller

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Guest Editor

Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Marhine & Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
Interests: environmental chemical sensing for terrestrial, estuarine, and coastal applications; nutrient sensing; electrochemistry approaches

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ocean science stands to benefit greatly from the design and deployment of new sensors for environments from the deep ocean to coastal Arctic environments; nevertheless, new approaches to autonomous sensing are currently needed to enable long-term observations, sensor networks, and for use on robotic platforms. Here, we solicit papers on ocean sensors that can be used to study physical, biological, chemical or geological proceses in the coastal, open, and/or deep ocean. We also welcome papers that cover remote sensing (airborne or satellite-based) of the ocean, as well as initiatives in calibrating these approaches by combining ground-based and airborne methodologies. Papers submitted should clearly demonstrate and describe an innovative sensing contribution for ocean science. While field demonstration of the sensor is valuable, we also welcome papers that demonstrate laboratory-based studies on novel sensors, particularly for calibration development and validation.
This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of recent achievements in the field of ocean sensing, bringing together new approaches developed by different research groups to advance the field. Original research articles, perspectives, and letters as well as review papers covering any aspect of ocean sensing are invited for submission. The contributions can address a wide range of ocean sensors and ocean sensing applications such as, but not limited to, any of the following topics: deep ocean sensing, dissolved gas sensing, ocean acoustic sensing, new modalities for ocean sensors, physical sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors, optical sensors, visual sensors and imaging, deep ocean sensor design, coastal ocean sensing, airborne sensing, satellite-based ocean sensing, and sensors for air–sea interface studies. We also welcome papers that provide enhanced ocean sensing data through computational machine learning approaches, advances in quality assurance and quality control, and algorithm development.

Dr. Anna Michel
Dr. Amy Mueller
Guest Editors

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Keywords

ocean sensing
ocean instrumentation
physical sensors
chemical sensors
biological sensors
acoustic sensors
optical sensors
gas sensors
imaging
deep ocean sensor design
coastal ocean sensing
airborne sensing
satellite-based ocean sensing

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can IR Images of the Water Surface Be Used to Quantify the Energy Spectrum and the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Dissipation Rate?

by Shelby L. Metoyer and Darek J. Bogucki

Sensors 2023, 23(22), 9131; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23229131 - 12 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1487

Abstract

Near-surface oceanic turbulence plays an important role in the exchange of mass, momentum, and energy between the atmosphere and the ocean. The climate modifying the air–sea CO

_{2}

transfer rate varies linearly with the surface turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate to the [...] Read more.

Near-surface oceanic turbulence plays an important role in the exchange of mass, momentum, and energy between the atmosphere and the ocean. The climate modifying the air–sea CO

_{2}

transfer rate varies linearly with the surface turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate to the

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power in a range of systems with different types of forcing, such as coastal oceans, river estuaries, large tidal freshwater rivers, and oceans. In the first part of this paper, we present a numerical study of the near-surface turbulent kinetic energy spectra deduced from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) compared to turbulent kinetic energy spectra deduced from idealized infrared (IR) images. The DNS temperature fields served as a surrogate for IR images from which we have calculated the underlying kinetic energy spectra. Despite the near-surface flow region being highly anisotropic, we demonstrated that modeled isotropic and homogeneous turbulence spectra can serve as an approximation to observed near-surface spectra within the inertial and dissipation ranges. The second part of this paper validates our numerical observations in a laboratory experiment. In this experiment, we compared the turbulent kinetic energy spectra near the surface, as measured using a submerged shear sensor with the spectra derived from infrared images collected from above the surface. The energy dissipation measured by the shear sensor was found to be within 20% of the dissipation value derived from the IR images. Numerically and experimentally, we have demonstrated that IR-based and remote measurement techniques of the aquatic near surface offer a potentially accurate and non-invasive way to measure near-surface turbulence, which is needed by the community to improve models of oceanic air–sea heat, momentum, and gas fluxes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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23 pages, 9846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement in the Post-Processing of Wave Buoy Data Driven by the Needs of a National Coast and Sea Monitoring Agency

by Giovanni Battista Rossi, Gabriele Nardone, Giulio Settanta, Marco Picone, Marta Berardengo and Francesco Crenna

Sensors 2023, 23(12), 5371; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23125371 - 6 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Technological development in terms of the power requirement for data acquisition and processing opens new perspectives in the field of environmental monitoring. Near real-time data flow about the sea condition and a possible direct interface with applications and services devoted to marine weather networks would have a significant impact on several aspects, such as, for example, safety and efficiency. In this scenario, the needs of buoy networks have been analyzed, and the estimation of directional wave spectra from buoys’ data has been deeply investigated. Two methods have been implemented, namely the truncated Fourier series and the weighted truncated Fourier series, and they have been tested by both simulated and real experimental data, representative of typical Mediterranean Sea conditions. From simulation, the second method proved to be more efficient. From the application to real case studies, it emerged that it works effectively in real conditions, as confirmed by parallel meteorological observations. The estimation of the main propagation direction was possible with a small uncertainty of a few degrees, yet the method exhibits a limited directional resolution, which suggests the need for undertaking further studies, briefly addressed in the conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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11 pages, 4038 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Novel Near-Surface Wave-Coherent Instantaneous Profiling System for Atmospheric Measurements

by Mathew J. Stanek, Douglas M. Pastore and Erin E. Hackett

Sensors 2023, 23(8), 4099; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23084099 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1648

Abstract

Large knowledge gaps concerning the effect of ocean surface waves on near-surface vertical distributions of temperature and humidity exist due to practical limitations and sensor fidelity challenges of direct measurements. Measurements of temperature and humidity are classically made using rocket- or radiosondes and fixed weather stations and can utilize a tethered profiling system. However, these measurement systems have limitations when obtaining wave-coherent measurements near the sea surface. Consequently, boundary layer similarity models are commonly employed to fill in near-surface measurement gaps despite the documented shortcomings of the models in this region. Thus, this manuscript presents a near-surface wave-coherent measurement platform that measures high-temporal-resolution vertical distributions of temperature and humidity down to ~0.3 m above the instantaneous sea surface. The design of the platform is described along with preliminary observations obtained during a pilot experiment. Ocean surface-wave phase-resolved vertical profiles are also demonstrated from the observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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24 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benthic Fluxes of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Material, Salt, and Heat Measured by Multiple-Sensor Aquatic Eddy Covariance

by Irene H. Hu and Harold F. Hemond

Sensors 2022, 22(22), 8984; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22228984 - 20 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

Aquatic eddy covariance (AEC) is an in situ technique for measuring fluxes in marine and freshwater systems that is based on the covariance of velocity and concentration measurements. To date, AEC has mainly been applied to the measurement of benthic oxygen fluxes. Here, development of a fast multiple-channel sensor enables the use of AEC for measurement of benthic fluxes of fluorescent material, salt, and heat at three distinct sites in Massachusetts, USA, including the Connecticut River, the Concord River, and Upper Mystic Lake. Benthic fluxes of salt, useful as a tracer for groundwater input (submarine groundwater discharge), were consistent with independent measurements made with seepage meters. Eddy fluxes of heat were consistent with the balance of incoming solar radiation and thermal conduction at the sediment surface. Benthic eddy fluxes of fluorescent dissolved organic material (FDOM) revealed a substantial net downward flux in the humic-rich Concord River, suggesting that microbial consumption of dissolved organic carbon in the sediment was significant. Simultaneous measurement of several fluxes expands the utility of AEC as a biogeochemical tool while enabling checks for mutual consistency among data channels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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13 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Protons with Photons: A Hand-Held, Spectrophotometric pH Analyzer for Ocean Acidification Research, Community Science and Education

by William Pardis, Kalina C. Grabb, Michael D. DeGrandpre, Reggie Spaulding, James Beck, Jonathan A. Pfeifer and David M. Long

Sensors 2022, 22(20), 7924; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22207924 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

Ocean Acidification (OA) is negatively affecting the physiological processes of marine organisms, altering biogeochemical cycles, and changing chemical equilibria throughout the world’s oceans. It is difficult to measure pH broadly, in large part because accurate pH measurement technology is expensive, bulky, and requires technical training. Here, we present the development and evaluation of a hand-held, affordable, field-durable, and easy-to-use pH instrument, named the pHyter, which is controlled through a smartphone app. We determine the accuracy of pH measurements using the pHyter by comparison with benchtop spectrophotometric seawater pH measurements, measurement of a certified pH standard, and comparison with a proven in situ instrument, the iSAMI-pH. These results show a pHyter pH measurement accuracy of ±0.046 pH or better, which is on par with interlaboratory seawater pH measurement comparison experiments. We also demonstrate the pHyter’s ability to conduct both temporal and spatial studies of coastal ecosystems by presenting data from a coral reef and a bay, in which the pHyter was used from a kayak. These studies showcase the instrument’s portability, applicability, and potential to be used for community science, STEM education, and outreach, with the goal of empowering people around the world to measure pH in their own backyards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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18 pages, 2174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design Optimization of a Submersible Chemiluminescent Sensor (DISCO) for Improved Quantification of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Surface Waters

by Kalina C. Grabb, William A. Pardis, Jason Kapit, Scott D. Wankel, Eric B. Hayden and Colleen M. Hansel

Sensors 2022, 22(17), 6683; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22176683 - 3 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2240

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key drivers of biogeochemical cycling while also exhibiting both positive and negative effects on marine ecosystem health. However, quantification of the ROS superoxide (O₂⁻) within environmental systems is hindered by its short half-life. Recently, the development of the diver-operated submersible chemiluminescent sensor (DISCO), a submersible, handheld instrument, enabled in situ superoxide measurements in real time within shallow coral reef ecosystems. Here, we present a redesigned and improved instrument, DISCO II. Similar to the previous DISCO, DISCO II is a self-contained, submersible sensor, deployable to 30 m depth and capable of measuring reactive intermediate species in real time. DISCO II is smaller, lighter, lower cost, and more robust than its predecessor. Laboratory validation of DISCO II demonstrated an average limit of detection in natural seawater of 133.1 pM and a percent variance of 0.7%, with stable photo multiplier tube (PMT) counts, internal temperature, and flow rates. DISCO II can also be optimized for diverse environmental conditions by adjustment of the PMT supply voltage and integration time. Field tests showed no drift in the data with a percent variance of 3.0%. Wand tip adaptations allow for in situ calibrations and decay rates of superoxide using a chemical source of superoxide (SOTS-1). Overall, DISCO II is a versatile, user-friendly sensor that enables measurements in diverse environments, thereby improving our understanding of the cycling of reactive intermediates, such as ROS, across various marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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10 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Salinity–Temperature Sensor Based on Microwave Resonance Reflection

by Darek J. Bogucki, Tom Snowdon, Jennifer C. Doerr and Joseph E. Serafy

Sensors 2022, 22(15), 5915; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22155915 - 8 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1939

Abstract

We developed and tested a microwave in situ salinity sensor (MiSSo) to simultaneously measure salinity and temperature within the same water sample over broad ranges of salinity (S) (3–50 psu) and temperature (T) (3–30 °C). Modern aquatic S sensors rely on measurements of conductivity (C) between a set of electrodes contained within a small volume of water. To determine water salt content or S, conductivity, or C, measurements must be augmented with concurrent T measurements from the same water volume. In practice, modern S sensors do not sample C and T within the same volume, resulting in the S determination characterized by measurement artifacts. These artifacts render processing vast amounts of available C and T data to derive S time-consuming and generally preclude automated processing. Our MiSSo approach eliminates the need for an additional T sensor, as it permits us to concurrently determine the sample S and T within the same water volume. Laboratory trials demonstrated the MiSSo accuracy of S and T measurements to be <0.1 psu and <0.1 °C, respectively, when using microwave reflections at 11 distinct frequencies. Each measurement took 0.1

μ

s. Our results demonstrate a new physical method that permits the accurate S and T determination within the same water volume. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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14 pages, 5109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Deep-Sea Submersible Chemiluminescent Analyzer for Sensing Short-Lived Reactive Chemicals

by Lina Taenzer, Kalina Grabb, Jason Kapit, William Pardis, Scott D. Wankel and Colleen M. Hansel

Sensors 2022, 22(5), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22051709 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

Based on knowledge of their production pathways, and limited discrete observations, a variety of short-lived chemical species are inferred to play active roles in chemical cycling in the sea. In some cases, these species may exert a disproportionate impact on marine biogeochemical cycles, affecting the redox state of metal and carbon, and influencing the interaction between organisms and their environment. One such short-lived chemical is superoxide, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which undergoes a wide range of environmentally important reactions. Yet, due to its fleeting existence which precludes traditional shipboard analyses, superoxide concentrations have never been characterized in the deep sea. To this end, we have developed a submersible oceanic chemiluminescent analyzer of reactive intermediate species (SOLARIS) to enable continuous measurements of superoxide at depth. Fluidic pumps on SOLARIS combine seawater for analysis with reagents in a spiral mixing cell, initiating a chemiluminescent reaction that is monitored by a photomultiplier tube. The superoxide in seawater is then related to the quantity of light produced. Initial field deployments of SOLARIS have revealed high-resolution trends in superoxide throughout the water column. SOLARIS presents the opportunity to constrain the distributions of superoxide, and any number of chemiluminescent species in previously unexplored environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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10 pages, 4222 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Fiber Optic Reel System: A Compact Deployment Solution for Tethered Live-Telemetry Deep-Sea Robots and Sensors

by Brennan T. Phillips, Nicholas Chaloux, Russell Shomberg, Adriana Muñoz-Soto and Jim Owens

Sensors 2021, 21(7), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21072526 - 4 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6185

Abstract

Tethered deep-sea robots and instrument platforms, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and vertical-profiling or towed instrument arrays, commonly rely on fiber optics for real-time data transmission. Fiber optic tethers used for these applications are either heavily reinforced load-bearing cables used to support lifting and pulling, or bare optical fibers used in non-load bearing applications. Load-bearing tethers directly scale operations for deep-sea robots as the cable diameter, mass, and length typically require heavy winches and large surface support vessels to operate, and also guide the design of the deep-sea robot itself. In an effort to dramatically reduce the physical scale and operational overhead of tethered live-telemetry deep-sea robots and sensors, we have developed the Fiber Optic Reel System (FOReelS). FOReelS utilizes a customized electric fishing reel outfitted with a proprietary hollow-core braided fiber optic fishing line and mechanical termination assembly (FOFL), which offers an extremely small diameter (750 μm) load-bearing (90 lb/400 N breaking strength) tether to support live high-bandwidth data transmission as well as fiber optic sensing applications. The system incorporates a novel epoxy potted data payload system (DPS) that includes high-definition video, integrated lighting, rechargeable battery power, and gigabit ethernet fiber optic telemetry. In this paper we present the complete FOReelS design and field demonstrations to depths exceeding 780 m using small coastal support vessels of opportunity. FOReelS is likely the smallest form factor live-telemetry deep-sea exploration tool currently in existence, with a broad range of future applications envisioned for oceanographic sensing and communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Sensors)

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