FY 1986

ATLAS—A low cost satellite data telemetry mooring developed for NOAA's Climate Research mission

Milburn, H.B., and P.D. McLain

In Proceedings, MDS '86, Marine Data Systems International Symposium, New Orleans, LA, 30 April–2 May 1986, 393–396 (1986)

A small low cost mooring and buoy system has been developed to measure ocean temperatures from the surface to a depth of 500 meters and provide near real-time data via satellite. Temperature and pressure data is time multiplexed along a heavily armored strain-relieved cable to the buoy electronics. Through careful design and extensive predeployment calibrations, an accuracy of 0.01°C in temperature and 2 meters in depth of sensors with pressure transducers has been achieved. Data collected to date indicate the basic concepts employed are viable and the design goals have been met. Numerous deployments in support of large scale climate studies are envisioned.