HR: 16:00h
AN: OS34A-01    [Abstracts]
TI: SCIMPI: A new seafloor observatory system
AU: * Moran, K
EM: kate.moran@uri.edu
AF: University of Rhode Island, Narraganset Bay Campus, Narragansett, RI 02882, United States
AB: A new seafloor observatory system design to make subsurface time series measurements of temperature, pressure, and resistivity has been developed. This system, called SCIMPI (Simple Cable Instruments for Measuring Parameters In-situ), incorporates established, modular technology, in a novel way, to capture data from sub-seafloor sensors over long time periods (months to years). For specific uses, the SCIMPI system, once developed, will be a lower-cost alternative (~1/5 the cost) in sedimentary environments to the standard CORKs (Circulation Obviating Retrofit Kits) that currently serve as the backbone of Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) observatory science. SCIMPI addresses critical infrastructure needs for the IODP. The initial science plan of IODP includes innovative research programs that focus on the study of the seafloor as a dynamic system that dictates the need to install long-term observatories. SCIMPI has three major advantages: (1) the costs associated with the instrument systems are estimated to be significantly less than "traditional" CORK systems with little reduction in the data that can be obtained; (2) the design is simple to configure for many environments, the system is easy to install, and it does not require expensive hole completions; and (3) SCIMPI incorporates already-proven components from industry, which reduces the design and testing costs. The design is based on the use of off-the-shelf, proven components. The pressure, temperature, and resistivity instruments are required to directly characterize site characteristics and changes with time that reflect sub- seabed processes.
DE: 3000 MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS
DE: 5100 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ROCKS
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting