R/V Atlantis and R/V Neil Armstrong Oceanographic Instrumentation: Shared Scientific Infrastructure for Ocean Research

This project enhances shared-use oceanographic instrumentation supporting scientific operations aboard the R/V Atlantis and R/V Neil Armstrong, research vessels operating as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The instrumentation upgrades improve reliability and help maintain high-quality observations needed to study ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, air-sea interactions, and other ocean processes. The project strengthens shared research infrastructure aboard fleet vessels while supporting modern ocean science, workforce development, and research and education activities relevant in ocean observation, environmental prediction, and coastal resilience. This project includes replacement of aging radiometers, acquisition of CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth) sampling system components, installation of an acoustic synchronization (K-Sync) system, and modernization of supporting scientific infrastructure. The investments address equipment obsolescence, reduce operational risks associated with aging systems, and improve the reliability and availability of critical observational capabilities. The project helps maintain the technical infrastructure necessary to support a broad range of oceanographic research activities conducted aboard Academic Research Fleet vessels and ensures continued access to high-quality observational data for the research community. 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: 2614661 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Sarah Fuller | Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, WOODS HOLE, MA | Award Amount: $151,979 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2614661 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2614661.html