A New, Autonomous, Current, Temperature and Salinity Profiler for Storm Conditions

"A new instrument, capable of measuring repeated profiles of ocean currents during hurricanes and severe storms, is proposed. Our understanding of ocean and atmosphere dynamics during severe storms is handicapped in part by a lack of instruments anddeployment techniques suitable for this severe environment. The joining of two proven technologies is described. Horizontal velocity of seawater can be determined by measurement of electric currents induced in the water as it moves through the earth'smagnetic field. We propose to integrate this proven sensor technology with a mature autonomous ocean profiling instrument, the APEX (Autonomous Profiling Explorer), of which over 400 units have been built. The APEX vehicle can be deployed before orduring a storm, from ships or C130 aircraft. APEX is certified by US DOD for deployment from C130 aircraft, and has been deployed by this method in the Atlantic Ocean and Red, Japan, Mediterranean, and South China seas. The technology is also applicable tonumerous other ocean measurement programs and the platform design is suitable for additional sensor systems.Improved understanding of storm dynamics will benefit storm forecasters, Naval and commercial ship operations, coastal communities and the insurance and offshore petroleum industry. Navy operational environmental assessment, using input from a covertplatform, could be enhanced.The instrument would perform several hundred vertical cycles,