Cabled observatory

[1][2] By removing the limitations of undersea power sources and sonar or RF communications, cabled observatories allow persistent study of underwater phenomena.

[3] Cabled observatories are ideal for use in complex regions of the ocean where continuous data sampling is required for understanding the area of interest.

Such areas include the complex biospheres of the temperate coasts and polar regions, which are sensitive to climate change.

[2] By eliminating the need for regular ship use and bolstered with extensive sensor sets, enabled by direct power connections, cabled observatories have the capability to provide continuous and detailed data sampling for regions of the ocean that are otherwise inaccessible.

[2][5] Many issues involving data reliability and loss have arisen and been investigated by teams running cabled observatories.

OOI's Regional Cabled and Endurance Arrays in the Northern Pacific Ocean. Credit: Center for Environmental Visualization, University of Washington
Example of submarine cable. Cross section view of a 150 kV 3-phase submarine power cable. Image captured at Deutsches Museum Munich.