D-2 Inc. worked with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to integrate D-2 CTDs into three Ice Tethered Profiler (ITP) deployments as part of the ITP program.
The ITP program represents a crucial scientific effort deploying sensors through Arctic ice to gather measurements deep within the Arctic Ocean. This geographical region is scientifically significant, historically lacking comprehensive data necessary for monitoring climate change dynamics.
Deployment & Data Collection
The most recent D-2 CTD-integrated ITP deployments, identified as T11, T14, and T15, are illustrated in Figure 1. These sensors operate synchronously with ITP profilers, descending through the Arctic Ocean daily and generating essential climate change information from a previously unexplored marine environment.
Figure 1. Credit: WHOI
Conceptually, the ITP program mirrors the international Argo float program, which uses autonomous profiling floats to collect real-time ocean data from temperate maritime regions.
By engaging researchers across North America, Europe, and Asia, the ITP initiative aims to maintain a distributed network of profiling systems and related instruments in the Arctic.
The resulting data analysis is anticipated to significantly advance understanding of the Arctic Ocean’s interactions with and responses to global climate transformations.
Real-Time Data Transmission
Currently, D-2 CTDs are functional across three Arctic ITP systems, generating live data accessible instantaneously. These sensors emerge multiple times daily, broadcasting collected information via satellite for immediate online retrieval. This technological capability empowers the ITP program to contribute to climate change research with near-instantaneous data transmission.
Data Published by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.Â
ITP TOP11 Data
The information above demonstrates that the D-2 CTD provides precise and consistent measurements of salinity, temperature, and pressure in oceanic environments, even under extreme conditions such as deploying through iceberg holes via Ice Tethered Profilers.
ITP TOP14 Data
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ITP TOP15 Data
D-2 CTDs offer unique advantages, providing closed-field conductivity precision without a pump. This design reduces the device’s size and energy consumption, simplifying ITP deployment through ice, decreasing power usage, extending battery life, and ensuring highly accurate data collection.
Understanding climate change demands CTDs from diverse manufacturers. This approach prevents potential data bias that could arise from single-source equipment. Competitive pressure among equipment producers drives technological advancements, enhancing measurement accuracy and reliability in scientific field research.
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) provided primary funding for the ITP project.
Other project contributors include:
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Naval Postgraduate School
- Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, North Pole Environmental Observatory
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Germany
- European Union (DAMOCLES initiative: Developing Arctic Modeling and Observing Capabilities for Long-Term Environmental Studies)
- Scottish Marine Institute
- International Arctic Research Center, Nansen and Amundsen Basins Observational Systems
- EUMETSAT Ocean & Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility
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