Then Why Do They Call Earth the Blue Planet?

About this technology

Overview

Through a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, WET Labs, Inc., developed a new technology for validating ocean color images from satellites. It calls the device the Diving Optical Profiler and High-speed Integration Network, or DOLPHIN. With DOLPHIN, a single research vessel tows the sampling unit while it undulates vertically in the surface waters. Optical parameters are measured on the underwater vehicle while water for conventional laboratory analyses of biological, chemical, and geological parameters is simultaneously pumped to the surface through a hose. Gathering this wealth of data makes the validation exercise more accurate and efficient. The information is used by scientists to watch phytoplankton trends and learn more abut the overall health of the water.