This Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Spots Algae Underneath Ice
Rahul Kalvapalle — January 9, 2015 — Tech
References: scitech.au.dk & gizmag
Scientists at Aarhus University in Denmark are using a high-tech autonomous underwater vehicle to better understand the distribution of ice algae, which plays an important ecological role. In places like Antarctica, layers of algae form on the underside of sea ice and serve as an important food source for plankton, kickstarting the bottom of the food chain.
The autonomous underwater vehicle is dubbed 'Gavia' and is manufactured by Icelandic firm Teledyne Gavia. The torpedo-shaped vehicle can autonomously travel through preset underwater routes and measure the amount of sunlight shining through the underside of ice. This information helps scientists figure out where algae colonies are likely present.
The accuracy of these readings are checked periodically by comparing ice core samples to predicted amounts
The vehicle has allowed for the mapping of ice algae distributions over very large areas.
The autonomous underwater vehicle is dubbed 'Gavia' and is manufactured by Icelandic firm Teledyne Gavia. The torpedo-shaped vehicle can autonomously travel through preset underwater routes and measure the amount of sunlight shining through the underside of ice. This information helps scientists figure out where algae colonies are likely present.
The accuracy of these readings are checked periodically by comparing ice core samples to predicted amounts
The vehicle has allowed for the mapping of ice algae distributions over very large areas.
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles - Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing advanced autonomous underwater vehicles for various applications, such as environmental monitoring and exploration.
2. Algae Distribution Mapping - Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating efficient and accurate methods for mapping and studying the distribution of algae, which could have significant ecological implications.
3. Under-ice Exploration - Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing technologies and vehicles capable of exploring and collecting data from under-ice environments, unlocking new insights and discoveries.
Industry Implications
1. Marine Robotics Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the marine robotics industry for developing advanced autonomous underwater vehicles and related technologies.
2. Environmental Monitoring Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the environmental monitoring industry for creating efficient and accurate methods for studying and mapping various ecological phenomena, including algae distribution.
3. Ecological Research Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the ecological research industry for developing tools and technologies to better understand and analyze underwater environments, such as under-ice ecosystems.
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