Teaching sonar methods and technologies using a practical, real-life research environment

Abstract

The results and current developments of an educational outreach website and CD-ROM which allows students and instructors to follow the day-by-day progress of an ocean research expedition aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson are presented. Sonar concepts, techniques, and technologies are explained through daily updates, science objectives, data results, and lesson outlines. As the greatest source of data collected on the expedition, sonar technologies play a large role in the outreach effort. Students are exposed to hullmounted bathymetry data collection instrumentation that includes the EM300 and Hydrosweep, multibeam sonar systems. The concept of deep towed, side scan-sonar is introduced through the DSL-120 system (WHOI). Students are also introduced to sonar technologies incorporated into remotely operated vehicles like Jason II/ Madea. These include the Imagenex 855 scanning sonar, the RDI bottom-tracking Doppler velocity logger, as well as navigational transponders. Each instrument and educational concept is detailed using video, Quick Time Virtual Reality, html text, and/or images. Using a Marisat satellite link, students are able to ask the researchers questions about their work and findings. [Work supported by a supplement to NSF/OCE-0002584 project: Collaborative Research: Studies of Deep-sourced Mud Volcanism in the Mariana Forearc: A DSL120, Jason ROV, and Coring Program.]