Scripps scientists to develop 'swarms' of miniature robotic ocean explorers

Scripps researchers Jules Jaffe and Peter Franks will be spearheading an effort to design and deploy autonomous underwater explorers, or AUEs, which will trace fine details of fundamental oceanographic mechanisms that are vital to tiny marine inhabitants.

While oceanographers have been skilled in detailing broad ocean processes, a need has emerged to zero in on functions unfolding at the small scale. By more clearly defining localized currents and focused data about temperature, salinity, pressure and biological properties, Jaffe and Franks believe AUEs will offer new and valued information about a range of oceanic phenomena. The miniature robots also can aid in science's development of marine protected areas by following currents for determining critical nursery habitats, tracking harmful blooms of algae and potentially even contributing to monitor events such as oil spills and airplane crashes.

		IMAGE: This is an autonomous underwater explorer. Click here for more information.

"The AUEs will fill in gaps between existing marine technologies," said Jaffe, a research oceanographer with Scripps' Marine Physical Laboratory. "They will provide a whole new kind of information."