Sensors in the deep sea

JUL 01, 1969

Tiny variations in temperature, pressure and currents can be measured with modern electronics. Problems arise, though, when variations in one parameter affect the reading of another. Work on the Deep‐Sea Capsule has found some solutions.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3035673

Douglas R. Caldwell

Frank E. Snodgrass

Mark H. Wimbush

GREAT ADVANCES in deep‐sea research have become possible with recent improvements in electronic instrumentation and development of large computers. Many of today’s instrumental techniques in oceanography have resulted from developments associated with space exploration. Indeed similarities exist between outer‐space and ocean‐depth studies. Manned space vehicles have counterparts in deep submersible submarines with life‐support systems that carry men to observe in the greatest depths of the sea, and instrumented satellites and space probes have counterparts in a new family of unmanned capsules that carry electronic systems with delicate sensors to measure and record the deep‐sea environment. Electronic recording systems for instrumented capsules must be light and compact and have low power consumption and high reliability.

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References

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More about the authors

Douglas R. Caldwell, Oregon State University.

Frank E. Snodgrass, Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics.

Mark H. Wimbush, Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, La Jolla.