Porcupine Abyssal Plain Observatory
Array of moorings covering the entire water column and benthos with associated repeat ship occupations for process studies and collections not possible autonomously (eg benthic megafauna) Longest running multidisciplinary North Atlantic open ocean sustained observatory delivering atmospheric and physical and biogeochemical ocean datasets in near real-time.
Infrastructure Location
PAP
49
-16.5
Study Area
Location |
Northeast Atlantic |
Distance from Land |
500 km |
Max Depth |
4850 m |
Oceanographic features of area |
North Atlantic Drift Region |
Relevant publications isi journals |
Billett et al., Long-term change in the abyssal NE Atlantic: The „Amperima Event‟ revisited. Deep- Sea Research II 57 (15), 1406-1417 (2010).
Hartman, S.E. et al., Seasonal and inter-annual biogeochemical variations in the Porcupine Abyssal Plain 2003-2005 associated with winter mixing and surface circulation. Deep-Sea Research II 57 (15), 1303-1312 (2010).
Hartman, S.E et al., The Porcupine Abyssal Plain fixed-point sustained observatory (PAP-SO): variations and trends from the Northeast Atlantic fixed-point time series. ICES J. Mar. Sci. (2012) 69 (5): 776-783
Lampitt, R.S. et al., Long-term variability of downward particle flux in the deep northeast Atlantic: Causes and trends. Deep-Sea Research II 57 (15), 1346-1361 (2010).
Ruhl, H.A. et al., Societal need for improved understanding of climate change, anthropogenic impacts, and geo-hazard warning drive development of ocean observatories in European Seas. Progress In
Oceanography 91, 1-33 (2011). |
Relevant publications proceedings published in the context of conference |
Lampitt, R.S. et al. In Situ Sustained Eulerian Observatories in OceanObs’09: Sustained Ocean. Observations and Information for Society conference 2, edited by J. Hall, D.E. Harrison, & D.
Stammer (ESA Publication WPP-306, Venice, Italy, 2009).
Larkin, K.E. et al. Benthic Biology Time-series in the Deep Sea: Indicators of Change in OceanObs’09: Sustained Ocean Observations and Information for Society (ESA Publication WPP-306 v2, 2010). |
Scientific Researchers
Name |
Email |
Mark Hartman |
<Please login to view> |
Corinne Pebody |
<Please login to view> |
Sue Hartman |
<Please login to view> |
Richard Lampitt |
<Please login to view> |
Technicians
Name |
Email |
Miguel Charcos Llorens |
<Please login to view> |
Jon Cambpell |
<Please login to view> |
Status / Maintenance
System Status |
Operational |
Planned Frequency |
12 month(s) |
Platform Required |
Deep Sea Research Vessel |
People Involved |
30 |
Duration of Operations |
10 day(s) |
Cleaning |
Yes |
Replacments |
Yes |
Download Data |
Yes |
Data Information
TNA
The PAP-SO has over 20 years of history as a sustained time-series site. There are three main installations that form part of the PAP-SO.
1. Full depth mooring (0-4850m) with surface buoy, atmospheric measurements, upper ocean measurements
2. Sub-surface sediment trap mooring (3000-4850m)
3. Seafloor Bathysnap lander system for time-lapse photography and related seafloor studies
Since 1989 the site has been the focus for routine sampling for water column processes and benthic time-series during annual cruises. Autonomous installations offering year-round measurements began
in 1989 including a sub-surface sediment trap mooring and a Bathysnap time-lapse camera system. Since 2002, a full depth ocean mooring has been in place, producing multidisciplinary time-series data from the upper water column (~30m) and offering satellite transmission capability for near realtime delivery of datasets. The unique suite of multidisciplinary time-series datasets are vital for assessing the ocean health and have led to fundamental discoveries about biogeochemical fluxes (e.g. assessments of the North Atlantic carbon sink and productivity estimates) and deep-sea ecology. In addition, the site also has a complimentary suite of sensors measuring atmospheric variables. These are managed separately by the UK Met Office. The installation for providing these datasets is not costed here, but the meteorological datasets add value to ocean datasets, increasing the demand from users of the infrastructure.
Surface and upper ocean
Hosting: The surface buoy and full depth mooring can host additional instrumentation for atmospheric, air-sea interface and upper ocean monitoring.
Data: Atmosphere: Wind speed and direction, Relative humidity, Air temperature, sea temperature, Atmospheric pressure, significant wave height and period. Water column: Salinity, temperature, currents, pCO2, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, Chlorophyll-a
Sub-surface sediment trap mooring
Hosting: The sub-surface sediment trap mooring can host additional instrumentation at depths
between 3000 – 4800m depth
Data: particle flux and currents
Seafloor
Hosting: Lander system with Bathysnap time-lapse camera positioned on the seafloor at 4850m depth.
Additional sensors can be mounted on module and a complete description will be provided to this aim
during FixO3. Communication with surface via acoustic modem is planned during FixO3.
Data: time-lapse photography for seafloor ecosystem studies.
Avaliable for TNA |
Yes |
Prefered time period for TNA |
During annual cruises to serve the mooring |
TNA Support offered |
Logistical, technological and scientific support will be provided to access all PAP fixed-point installations. In addition, glider campaigns are planned for the PAP site during 2012 – 2014. These are not sustained/routine operations so are not costed into the annual operating costs for the observatory but these platforms will compliment the fixed-point infrastructures and may also offer increased access to the site during FixO3 through increased frequency of cruises. |
Services Available |
Surface platform (above and below water level), sensor frame, sediment trap (3000 m), benthic system (4850 m) |
Potential Additional Uses |
Additional sensors can be attached to the mooring line |
Data Ports |
Self-logging |
Availability of External Power |
Self-powered |
Instrument installation methodology |
Depending on instrument
|
Data History |
Data since 2002 available on EuroSITES website http://www.eurosites.info/pap/data.php
|
Instrument installation methodology |
How-to manuals provided by the NOC team |
Observatory maintenance estimated or planned schedules |
June/July 2015 |
Data policy and access |
FixO3/EuroSITES data policy: http://www.eurosites.info/pdf/EuroSITES%20Data%20Policy.pdf
NERC data policy: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/sites/data/policy.asp |
Additional comments |
|
Modality of access |
In-Person |
Hardware Services
Type |
Model |
Use |
Problems |
Solution adopted |
acoustic release |
IXSea AR861 |
release mooring |
|
|
Frame |
Bespoke (stainless steel frame. Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1.5 m |
Mounting biogeochemical sensors |
Biofouling
Need to withstand 3 bar pressure
Power supply (battery pack) |
Mechanical wipers for optical sensors |
Buoy |
K-series ODAS |
Ocean biogeochemistry measurements (near surface) |
Deep water requiring large ship for recovery.
Sensor biofouling |
Mechanical wipers for optical sensors |
Software Services
Sensor type/model |
Software for the pre-processing |
Software for the post post-processing |
Software for the production of graphical output |
WETLabs CYCL-P Phosphate Analyser |
Wetlabs CycleHost |
Matlab |
Matlab |
WETLabs FLNTUSB |
Wetlabs ECOView |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Satlantic ISUS V3 |
Satlantic ISUSCom 2.1.2 |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Satlantic SeaFET pH |
Satlantic SeaFETCom 1.1.2 |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Aanderaa Seaguard, SeaFET, 4797 CO2 Optode, 4330 Optode |
Aanderaa Seaguard studio |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Biogeochemical Sensors |
real time : Perl scripts |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Current Meters |
Aanderaa 5059 data reading software |
Matlab |
Matlab |
Seabird Microcats |
Sea-Bird SeatermV2
real time : Perl scripts |
Sea-Bird SBEDataProcessing-Win32
Matlab |
Matlab |
McLane sediment traps |
crosscut or hyperterminal |
excel |
SigmaPlot |
Sensors
Deployed |
|
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
|
Parameter(s) |
|
Platform |
Buoy |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
|
Sampling interval |
|
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/03/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic ISUS V3 |
Parameter(s) |
NTOT |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
|
Sampling interval |
|
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Meteorological Suite |
Parameter(s) |
Air Temperature, ATMS, ATPT, Irradiance, RELH, Wave Height, Wind Speed, Wind Direction |
Platform |
Buoy |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
|
Sampling interval |
|
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
SeaBird SBE-37IMP-ODO MicroCAT |
Parameter(s) |
COND, PRES, TEMP |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
0 |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
SeaBird SBE-37IMP MicroCAT |
Parameter(s) |
COND, CTD, PRES, PSAL, TEMP |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
1.75 |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
WetLabs FLNTUSB |
Parameter(s) |
CPHL, TURB |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
2 |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic SeaFET |
Parameter(s) |
PHPH, RELH |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
3000 |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Aanderaa 4797 CO2 optode |
Parameter(s) |
Dissolved Gases |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
1 |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Aanderaa 4330 optode |
Parameter(s) |
DOXY |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Turner Cyclops Fluorometer |
Parameter(s) |
CPHL |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic OCR-507 ICSW |
Parameter(s) |
Irradiance |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic OCR-507 R10W |
Parameter(s) |
Irradiance |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Pro-Oceanus Logging CO2-Pro |
Parameter(s) |
Dissolved Gases |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
100 m asl |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Pro-Oceanus Logging GTD-Pro |
Parameter(s) |
Dissolved Gases |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
100 m asl |
Sampling interval |
|
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Osmosampler |
Parameter(s) |
|
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
3050 |
Sampling interval |
|
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
WETLabs CYCL-P Phosphate Analyser |
Parameter(s) |
PHOS |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
4800 |
Sampling interval |
28800 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Pro-Oceanus CO2-Pro |
Parameter(s) |
Dissolved Gases |
Platform |
Buoy |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic OCR-507 ICSA (buoy) |
Parameter(s) |
Irradiance |
Platform |
Buoy |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Satlantic SeaFET pH sensor |
Parameter(s) |
PHPH |
Platform |
Buoy |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
21600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Star-Oddi CTD loggers |
Parameter(s) |
COND, PRES, TEMP |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
1800 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
McLane Sediment Traps |
Parameter(s) |
Particle Flux |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
14400 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2013 |
Planned |
|
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Aanderaa Current Meters |
Parameter(s) |
Currents |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
surface |
Sampling interval |
3600 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
No |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
|
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|
Deployed |
24/04/2014 |
Planned |
18/01/2014 |
Instrument/Sensor Type |
Bathysnap |
Parameter(s) |
Images |
Platform |
Mooring |
Manufacturer |
|
Instrument/Sensor documentation (URL) |
|
Sensor Type / Model |
|
Power Supply |
|
Approximate Depth / Height |
25 m |
Sampling interval |
1800 second(s) |
Calibration Samples Available |
Yes |
Frequency of Calibration Samples |
1/year |
Intercalibration Available |
Yes |
Intercalibration Platform |
|
Intercalibration Frequency |
|
Problems |
|
Solution Adopted |
|
Datasheet URL |
|
Comments |
|