In Situ Fluorometer/CTD System

The Lockheed Ocean Laboratory of Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. has completed development and testing of a towed in-situ fluorometer/CTD system capable of simultaneously measuring optical and hydrographic parameters. The towed body or 'fish' houses an optical sensor; conductivity, temperature and pressure transducers; and A-to-D and multiplexing electronics. A 3/16" power/data cable links the fish to a portable, electric-powered winch, fathometer assembly, and a shipboard microprocessor controlled data logging system. All data are digitally recorded and selected parameters including ship's position can be plotted and digitally displayed in real time. Field tests of the system have been successfully performed and survey techniques established by conducting a dye tracer study at a local ocean outfall of multiport diffuser design. A system description, field test data, and applications are presented.