In order to improve our understanding of the changing status of our seas, we need to measure their physical and chemical characteristics and observe the animal and plant populations which they contain.
To satisfy these requirements, the Platforms and Sensors Joint Research Theme will achieve excellence in marine observing technology by introducing new sensing systems, devising novel deployment methods and developing computational strategies for interpreting large and complex data sets. Our research objectives are built on a foundation of wellestablished expertise. The participating institutions study the world's oceans from viewpoints ranging from radiometers carried on spacecraft to cameras submerged in thousands of metres of water, and on spatial scales from microns to tens of kilometers. Existing capability includes the design and deployment of seabed observing platforms, ice-tracking buoys, microelectronic tags for sea mammals, autonomous underwater vehicles, and specialised optical and electronic sensors. These activities are supported by expertise in satellite communications and microelectronics, mooring design, advanced signal processing and a long history of successful sea-going operations.
The Platforms and Sensors group will interact strongly with the MASTS community to facilitate the work of other Joint Research Themes. It will also to create new research opportunities by making observations possible in data-poor areas. By collaborating within MASTS we will achieve synergy between diverse technologies, make a new generation of smart sensing systems available to marine science in Scotland, and provide a platform for participation in emerging international ocean observing programmes. The work of the Platforms and Sensors JRT is relevant to a wide range of pressing societal problems, including monitoring the ecological health of coastal waters and shelf seas, assessing the status and environmental impact of marine engineering operations, and quantifying the effects of climate change in the marine environment.
Prof. Alex Cunningham, Chair (University of Strathclyde) Dr Phil Bagley (University of Aberdeen) Chris Hall (Marine Scotland-Science) Dr Keith Jackson (SAMS) Prof. David Lane (Heriot-Watt University)
Prof. Alex Cunningham, Chair (University of Strathclyde)
Dr Phil Bagley (University of Aberdeen) Chris Hall (Marine Scotland-Science) Dr Keith Jackson (SAMS) Prof. David Lane (Heriot-Watt University)