Development of Deep Ocean In situ Sensors

To bring the analytical laboratory to the sea floor, we develop sensors to measure carbon dioxide  and methane in the deep ocean. We primarily use infrared laser spectroscopic techniques that have been developed for atmospheric sensing as the foundation of our sensors. Utilizing gas extraction technologies coupled to infrared spectrometers, we make dissolved gas measurements in extreme ocean environments: hydrothermal vents, submarine volcanoes, methane seeps, bubble plumes, for and brine pools. We use deep submergence technologies, especially remotely operated vehicles, for both instrument development testing and for analyzing these environments in situ.  We are currently developing new, smaller sensor systems using alternative approaches.