Research News
A Helgoland research diver connects a cable at the data hub. Photo: Philipp Fischer/AWI
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North Sea Multiple Socket-Outlet
In September 2012, marine biologists from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) have anchored the first data hub in the North Sea 700 metres north of Helgoland. The hub resembles a multiple socket-outlet, providing ports for up to ten measuring devices. The data hub was designed by scientists from the Helmholtz Centre Geesthacht (HZG) and developed in co-operation with the AWI. Embedded in a 600 kilogramme supporting frame, measuring data regarding current, salt content and oxygen as well as other parameters can be regularly collected independent of weather conditions and the seasons. For the first time, this enables uninterrupted data collection, which, in contrast to previous punctual measurements, allows for definite differentiation between natural and man-made changes. The Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, a part institute of the AWI, is responsible for on-site maintenance of the hub. To begin with, the hub was anchored in a depth of ten metres, however, it is designed for depths of up to 300 metres. A line from Helgoland provides the socket hub with power, whereas the connected devices are controlled via the internet. A fibre optic cable serves to transmit obtained measuring data back to Helgoland. The data hub is part of the COSYNA observation and analysis system for the observation of the North Sea's coastal regions and of the Arctic Sea. The data obtained by COSYNA are publicly accessible, so that researchers from all around the globe can participate in their evaluation.
