Features and capabilities of the OBSEA

Abstract

Needs for higher resolution, volume of information and longer data series are becoming increasingly important in oceanographic observation. In some applications traditional observation systems, such as autonomous oceanographic buoys and measurements taken from oceanographic ships, present serious disadvantages regarding costs, volume and delay of data or batteries autonomy. The new cabled underwater observatories can be modular, flexible and adapted to different uses and specifications to satisfy the requirements of the scientific community. The OBSEA project (www.obsea. es) is a collaborative task, between the CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) and the UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), to design and develop a seafloor observatory situated in front of the “Vilanova i la Geltrú” (Spain) coast into the marine reserve “Colls Miralpeix”. OBSEA is a multiparameter laboratory for oceanographic studies integrated in the coastal zone and a test site for marine equipments included in the European Seafloor Observation Network (ESONET).