Coastal Observation Research and Development
Understanding coastal ocean surface currents and waves advances oceanographic research, search and rescue, hazardous materials clean-up, and other applications. CIT managed a 5-year, $6.8 million NOAA-funded Coastal Observation program that developed and deployed remote sensor technologies to monitor in real-time the influence of the Chesapeake Bay on nearby coastal ocean margin ecosystems. The infrastructure from this program continues to contribute to solving national and regional needs through oceanographic data. An HF Radar network, for instance, provides data to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Observing System (MARCOOS); data are used for ecological decision support as well as for maritime safety. CIT subcontracts to Rutgers University on the multi-year MARCOOS project.

The outflows from the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays have nutrient levels and organic matter loads that heavily influence the surrounding coastal ocean ecosystems of the Delmarva region. The Coastal Observation program established a system that monitors this influence through the development, deployment and use of a variety of ocean observing tools.

The coastal ocean observation effort deployed a system of five high-frequency (HF) radar (SeaSonde) to collect data on surface ocean currents and wave height and period. The system consists of three long-range SeaSonde along the Virginia and Maryland coastline, which measure to approximately 200 km from shore, and two standard range SeaSonde at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Standard range radar measure to approximately 50 km from shore. Data from these systems are used by the NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) HF Radar Network and Rutgers University. Real-time data can be seen at: http://marine.rutgers.edu/cool/codar/real-time/raw_lr_macoora.html

A novel aspect of the program is a solar-powered Surface Autonomous Vehicle, called OASIS (Ocean Atmosphere Sensor Integration System). In addition, NASA supports the development of a software control system for multiple platforms, the Adaptive Sensor Fleet, which uses OASIS as a test platform for such systems as the Mars Rovers.

The OASIS platforms are outfitted with weather and ocean environmental sensors that are used to remotely monitor the ocean. Communication is carried out using the Iridium global satellite communication system.

A coastal bio-optical buoy to assist in calibrating NASA and NOAA satellites is another aspect of the program’s infrastructure. Additional data was obtained through ship-based research cruises, as measurements were collected that were not obtainable via autonomous or remote methods.  
CIT’s program partners included NASA, NOAA, EG&G Services, Emergent Technologies, DLBA Robotics, SGT, Inc., Donald L. Blount & Assoc., Hampton University, ITS, Inc., Old Dominion University, Rutgers University, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Kutztown University, Millersville University, and the Virginia Marine Science Consortium. 

In accord with CIT’s long-term vision to leverage investments in research and in technology, CIT intends to expand the capabilities developed in Coastal Observation program into other areas, such as designing and providing relevant data related to homeland security and offshore energy, including offshore wind farms.