Glider Ops

IRMINGER: In addition to fixed moorings, the OOI Irminger Sea Array consists of autonomous gliders.  Two gliders were deployed to the array for a one year deployment, and one glider deployed last year was recovered.  The gliders sit on the back deck prior to deployment so that the glider team on shore can communicate with them via satellite for their pre-deployment checks.  Once the gliders are ready to go, the shipboard team attaches the wings and they are lowered off the ship with a special cart that releases them into the water.  To recover the gliders, the ship maneuvers to bring them along the right or “starboard” side, and they are hooked with a line and lifted aboard.

Credit: Sheri N. White © WHOI.

Credit: Rebecca Travis © WHOI.

Credit: Sheri N. White © WHOI.

Credit: Rebecca Travis © WHOI.