Leo-15 An Unmanned Long Term Environmental Observatory

This paper presents a concept which invcilves the instal- lation of a series of instrumented seafloor platforms which are linked to shore by an electro-optic cable. The use of an electro-optic cable permits these ocean-based systems to gather data continuously, for a long period of time, and at extended distances from shore. A system life time exceeding 20 years is possible. The electro-optic cable will transfer continuous electrical power and will provide a means of establishing a broad bandwidth fiber-optic link to the seafloor sys- tems. The use of a broad bandwidth bi-directional fiber-optic link facilitates real time interactive control of ocean based experiments, instrumentation, and tethered and free swimming vehicle systems. Once data and control links are transferred to the shore station over the fiber-optic channel, they may then be made accessible for use in world wide education and research programs, through1 modem com- puting and communication technologies. Specifically, thii paper examines the design and installation of a Long Term Environmental Observatory which will be operated in 15 meters of water (LEO-15). LEO-I5 will be located approximately 9 kilometers off the New Jersey Coast at Little Egg Inlet. The observa- tory will be linked to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Institute of Marine and Coastal Science's shore station at Tuckerton by an electro-optic cable which will be buried in the seafloor. It has been determined that with some routine maintenance, a reli- able long term system may be developed and put into operation. The successful installation and operation of the LEO-I5 fzrcility should provide the engineering experience and scientific motivation neces- sary to install additional observatories, worldwide, in both coastal and deep water sites. order to understand the processes governing stability and change in the ocean, there is a need to make observations, in situ, over long periods of time. The ability to obtam experi- mental data, in real time, and to control and redirect undersea experiments, from a shore based laboratory, based on this real time data, will greatly enhance the quality of the data col- lected.