Rapid Arctic ice melting has sparked serious concerns in the scientific community due to the pace of its increased thinning.
In addition, sea ice thickness has also decreased, which makes Arctic ice cover more vulnerable to warming air and ocean temperature.
Understanding the ecological role of Arctic sea ice is crucial, particularly because the extent of ice in the region has been decreasing at an unprecedented rate.
To do this, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University have proposed a design of an alternative, autonomous observational method.
The method holds promise for improving the autonomy of marine vehicles, aiding in maritime missions, and gaining a deeper understanding of how Arctic ice melting affects marine ecosystems.
The autonomous method holds stability in Arctic conditions
Traditional Arctic ice observation methods offer limited temporal and spatial coverage, while drones and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are hindered by energy constraints that restrict their research potential.
This conceptual design features a small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessel that acts as a docking and charging station for AUVs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The SWATH ship is engineered for exceptional stability, allowing it to navigate through melting Arctic ice and operate in a wide range of sea conditions.
It is designed to be self-sufficient, utilising automated sailing, solar panels and an underwater turbine positioned between its twin hulls to generate and store energy, ensuring continuous mission support even when sailing against ocean currents.
© Florida Atlantic University
Unlike previous platforms, the system designed by the FAU researchers will use advanced technology to monitor the Arctic Ocean from the air, water surface and underwater.
The new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) design is specifically tailored for the project to ensure stability in Arctic conditions and handle high wind speeds.
The observation platform system’s main objective is to investigate Arctic ice melting in fast-changing areas. Wind energy will be harnessed to facilitate sailing in the Arctic water, while an underwater turbine will generate sufficient energy to sustain the system’s operations.
Monitoring Arctic ice melting over extended periods
Results show that using the motion of a wind-driven sailboat to generate power from the turbine beneath the SWATH is a feasible way to support long-term Arctic Ocean monitoring missions.
The design integrates with the environment it monitors, offering new data on melting Arctic ice beyond what satellites and manned ships can provide.
“Our proposed autonomous observation platform system offers a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic environment and monitoring the impact of melting sea ice,” said Tsung-Chow Su, senior author and a professor in FAU’s Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering.
“By providing a self-sustaining platform for continuous data collection, this design supports scientific research, environmental protection and resource management, laying the foundation for year-round monitoring of the Arctic.”
Stella Batalama, dean of the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science, added: “Our researchers have developed an innovative observation system tailored to the Arctic environment, offering critical data on sea ice melt that satellites and manned vessels are unable to capture.
“Long-term monitoring is essential, as it provides deeper insights into the lasting impacts of Arctic ice melting, which can guide informed policy and management decisions.”
