The memorial explorer: Developing the role of AUVs in under-ice research

• Published in: OCEANS'10 IEEE SYDNEY
• Main Authors: King, P, Lewis, R, Walker, D, Alexander, P, Bose, N, Worby, AP
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE Explore 2010
• Subjects: Earth Sciences; Other Earth Sciences; Earth Sciences not elsewhere classified; Antarctic; Arctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Australian Antarctic Division; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANSSYD.2010.5603855; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/73290

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are a leading technology for under-ice deployment and research. Memorial University and its Explorer AUV, in cooperation with the University of Tasmania and the Australian Antarctic Division, has embarked on a multi-phase development program that will lead to a scientific mission in the Australian Antarctic. Completion of Phase I saw the AUV deployed in the Canadian high Arctic and acoustic data collection performed in the Australian Antarctic. Currently in Phase II, the AUV is being fitted with a full suite of survey tools and will see developments in the fields of navigation, positioning and mission completion. Phase III will see further developments in AUV technology for under-ice research, with the ultimate goal being the AUV deployed in the Antarctic for a scientific mission to explore the role of sea-ice in the World's climate.