Real-time environmental Arctic monitoring (R team) : interim report

Abstract

This interim report describes the development and testing of the R-TEAM system from the initial concept studies to the actual deployment and recovery of a working prototype at Site D, 39°N, 70°W (June 2 to August 3. 1987). The R-TEAM mooring is specifically designed to collect oceanic environmental data in the Arctic region and to transmit these data to shore on a daily basis via ARGOS satellite telemetry. To this end an ascent module comes to the surface once a day and transmits directly to ARGOS (ice free surface) or indirectly through a relatively adjacent MF receiver station (ice covered surface) which in turn relays the data to the ARGOS satellite. When not transmitting, the module remains in its rest position most of the time, well away from the surface. thus diminishing the risks of damage at the ice interface. The design life of the R-TEAM system is one year in situ. The mooring must be capable of deployment in depths of up to 4500 meters and must be able to withstand a maximum current speed of 2 knots at the surface.