A Multi-Depth Underwater Spectroradiometer for Validation of Remotely-Sensed Ocean Color and Estimation of Seawater Biogeochemical Properties

A mobile-deployable, submersible multi-depth, simultaneous, spectro-radiometer system (AquaTree) was designed under phase-I, and key elements were tested in the ocean. Detailed modeling and design analysis were conducted to optimize the sensor system for the extremely wide dynamic range of the radiation field from above the surface down to 10 m below. Under Phase-II a full system will be assembled, including (i) two fiber fed spectrometers with TE cooled cameras to provide long integration time and broad dynamic range, (ii) fiber optics based radiance and irradiance collectors that feed into the spectrometers, (iii) the spectrometers housed in a watertight enclosure with multiple fiber and electrical feedthrough connectors. Control will be from a computer on board a ship located up to 300 m away to avoid shading. The system will be deployed at sea. Simultaneous validation will be conducted using other commercial radiation measuring devices and profilers, and water sampling and analysis; coordination with overhead assets (MERIS, MODIS) will provide additional measurements for complete validation of the AquaTree performance and closure for the radiative transfer modeling. The proposed work is synergistic and complementary to other oceanic research work at OKSI; including the AquaScanUVNIR-micro, an airborne hyperspectral scanner. Both the AquaScan and AquaTree cover the 350-1000 nm spectral range. The AquaScan will be flying in on manned platform and also on NASA UAV in support of ocean color, benthic diversity, biomass, and productivity of seagrass and coral reef biomes research. Another project is exploring a low-cost space access for a HyperScan-micro on board a CubeSat. Hyperspectral measurements over a long horizontal path are also conducted by OKSI to extract littoral aerosols properties.

NASA has interest and ongoing research in many areas where the AquaTree can provide direct support and improve NASA's research results. The AquaTree provides measurements at any location, similar to those provided by the MOBY system that is located at a fixed position off the coast of Hawaii. Areas of NASA interest include: ocean ecology, ocean color, sediment, dissolved chemicals, and marine microorganisms (phytoplankton) affect the colors of sunlight reflected off the ocean, global distribution of phytoplankton, carbon sequestration in oceans, role of the oceans in climate change. In response to the NRC Decadal Survey, NASA is developing multiple missions that the AquaTree can support, including validation to MODIS, MERIS, future missions such as HyspIRI, Ocean Radiometer for Carbon Assessment (ORCA), the Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE). This system will also support International NASA collaborations such as JAXA Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water (GCOM-W1), India's OceanSAT2, Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) system, etc. We wish to point out that both MODIS and MERIS are now operating beyond their design time, and it is not clear if replacement instruments will be funded and available when these older sensors begin to lapse. Hence local point measurements supported by airborne (manned and unmanned platforms) sensors may become of increasing importance.

Oceans have a major impact on human survival, affecting economies, food supplies, shipping lines, global warming and carbon sequestration, natural resources, climate regulation, wild life and habitats, recreation, and more. The majority of the human population lives within short distance from coastal zones. The United Nations is involved in ocean related policy and environmental laws. As such, almost every nation on earth has its own research institutions with the goals of keeping healthy oceans and understanding how to use the resources to benefit humankind yet maintain a healthy balance and avoid deterioration, contamination, over harvesting, spreading of diseases and toxic algae, beach pollution, control fishery and sea farming, etc. Numerous US government agencies as well as countless educational institutions are involved in research, monitoring, reporting, establishing knowledge and data bases, and regulations. The proposed AquaTree would be a valuable addition for providing on-site ground truth for all such research by NASA, NOAA, US Navy, USGS, etc. Therefore, the applications of OKSI's research, services, and products, have worldwide markets.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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