Underwater robot reveals secrets of Arctic ice

No one among the diving fraternity needs convincing that for exploration and research of extreme waters non-standard solutions are necessary. Wherever the diver’s comfort zone is limited to a minimum, it is good to use a machine. Thus, a special robot has managed to create the first detailed 3D map of the Arctic Sea.

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Thanks to a device known as SeaBED, members of the British Arctic Survey have for the first time been able to view a high-resolution 3D map, including regions where similar surveys were previously not possible due to difficult access.

The robot also measured the thickness of the ice, which will allow scientists to study the impact of climate change on this region of the world. Until now, similar measurements have been made in several ways. Satellites were used for this, but unfortunately their measurements were not very accurate, especially if there was a layer of snow on the ice at the time the images were taken. Standard boreholes and visual observation, e.g. from ships, also have their limitations, so the material gathered by British researchers is extremely valuable.

SeaBED is 2m long and weighs almost 200kg. Although it appears to be quite large, its users explain that it is extremely manoeuvrable and stable. Unlike most similar devices, the robot used by BAS has its sonar pointed upwards, which allows it to take extremely accurate measurements. Thanks to its design, it is also able to reach places where humans cannot. The whole thing is controlled remotely by an operator.

“Full 3D topography of the underside of the ice sheet has yielded a lot of new and interesting information about its structure and formation processes. This is crucial in creating the advanced models we are talking about and in demonstrating the differences between Arctic and Antarctic ice,” explains Dr Guy Williams of the Institute of Antarctic and Marine Science.

The next step for the British Arctic Survey will be large-scale measurements made to compare their results with similar measurements made by satellites and aircraft. More information is available online at Nature Geoscience.

Source: net.com Photo: P. Kimball/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute