R/V Atlantic Explorer Oceanographic Instrumentation: Meteorological and Underway Sampling Enhancements for Ocean Science

This project provides funding to enhance scientific observing capabilities aboard the R/V Atlantic Explorer through upgrades to environmental and underway sampling instrumentation supporting oceanographic research operations in the western North Atlantic. The project includes acquisition of meteorological and precipitation sensing capabilities and improvements to underway seawater sampling infrastructure that will strengthen collection of environmental observations supporting studies of ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, biogeochemical processes, and long-term ocean variability. These upgrades will improve the quality, reliability, and continuity of scientific observations supporting NSF-funded research and sustained ocean observing efforts while helping maintain critical shared research infrastructure within the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. They will support technical training and workforce development opportunities associated with shipboard research operations. The upgraded instrumentation will support researchers, students, and early-career scientists by improving environmental monitoring and underway observing capabilities available during research cruises. Enhanced meteorological and oceanographic observations will strengthen multidisciplinary science activities and long-term ocean measurement programs. The project will improve operational capability aboard a heavily utilized research platform and strengthen shared infrastructure supporting ocean science and education activities. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2612004 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Rory O'Connell | Institution: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), Inc. | Award Amount: $55,604 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2612004 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2612004.html