Over the centuries, our human understanding of the physical and biological aspects of the ocean has made huge advancements. From initial observations of the tides made by Aristotle and Strabo to Benjamin Franklin’s first scientific study of the Gulf Stream, made by measuring water temperatures during his Atlantic crossings, our understanding of our oceans has valuably increased.
Now with the MacArtney TRIAXUS ROTV aboard research vessels like the RV Investigator, we are able to push the boundaries of our understanding.
RV Investigator research vessel at sea (courtesy of CSIRO)
MacArtney has recently supplied a second system for use on the RV Investigator. This TRIAXUS E version features an even higher payload capacity and enables the installation of a wide range of sensors targeted to the specific needs of oceanographic research. The scope of supply from MacArtney in this case included:
- The TRIAXUS extended E version
- The Sea-Bird SBE 911 Conductivity, Temperature and Depth Instrument (CTD)
- A Transmissometer to determine the excitation of the water medium to gauge clarity at ranging ocean depths
- A Fluorometer to measure the parameters of Chlorophyll a to provide data on concentrations of algae in the water column
- A PAR Sensor or Photosynthetically Active Radiation sensor to determine photon energy available for the photosynthesis processes in the water column
On board the RV Investigator utilising the TRIAXUS the MMI (courtesy of CSIRO)
Custom sensor packages supported by the NEXUS fibre optic multiplexer and MMI (Man Machine Interface) mean the TRIAXUS can be programmed topside to perform various functions and undulations whilst being towed. Fibre optic umbilical cabling allows for the feedback of data in real time. Specially developed for this high-speed oceanographic data acquisition work the TRIAXUS provides a versatile and seamless system.
The continued utilization of MacArtney’s TRIAXUS system within the Ocean Science industry is a testament to the vital and versatile work accomplished by the TRIAXUS ROTV – adding value to scientific advancements that will help to shape our future understandings of the ocean world and its hidden depths.
