The Measurement Of Oceanic Biogeochemical Compounds Using Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors

Abstract

Recent trends in global warming due to the concentration of 'Igreenhouse" gases have prompted the need for the applicaticln of new sensor technologies for real-time, in situ measurements of the compounds (e.g. , CO,, 0,, CH,) that are responsible for the c:hemical, physical and biological processes controlling biogeochemical cycling in the ocean and its interaction with the atmosphere. Fiber optic chemical sensor:; (FOCS) have shown great promise as a viable new approach to measuring specific chemical species in the oceans. Ocean water measurements could be accomplished through a network of biogeochemical buoys equipped with multi-analysis FOCS packages for long term unattended monitoring. This network of buoys could be linked via satellite to provide real-time information that would be invaluable and provide a unique remote sensing capability to determine spatial and temporal trends of biogeochemically important compounds in the oceans on a global scale.