This project will use a custom Kongsberg Seaglider fitted with a Nortek Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), the only such machine in Europe, to directly measure ocean current velocities in the Faroe-Shetland Channel (FSC). The shelf break environment of the FSC plays a crucial role in shelf seas, regulating the exchange of dissolved oxygen and nutrients between the deep oceans and shelf sea fishing grounds.
A better understanding of shelf break processes is important for shelf sea fisheries, oil spill response and ocean circulation models. The FSC is known to experience strong tidal currents that the glider should be able to measure. The hostile winter weather in the region makes operating a research ship difficult and hazardous while gliders—spending 95% of their time submerged—are unaffected.
These conditions make the FSC an ideal environment for glider monitoring. If ADCP-gliders can collect this data they could complement or even replace costly, monotonous and potentially dangerous manned monitoring cruises in shelf break areas.