DEEP MOBY : The New 6000-Meter Profiling Float

OSEAN, in collaboration with the Geoazur laboratory, has developed a series of profiling floats capable of operating at depths ranging from 0 to 2000 meters. These floats are equipped with the MERMAID seismic signal acquisition application. Since 2014, we have produced over 100 of these floats. They come in many configurations, including seismic models with MERMAID hydrophones and ARGO models with CTD sensors. Over the past three years, we have adapted the design, allowing it to be used at depths of up to 4,000 meters, primarily for the ARGO program.

 These profilers are distinguished by their exceptional reliability and autonomy. The initial units deployed over six years ago have demonstrated remarkable resilience, as evidenced by their continued operational status, thereby attesting to their durability in field conditions.

 OSEAN is engineering a state-of-the-art profiler capable of descending to depths of 6000 meters. This enhancement will enable the profilers to access and monitor 97% of the world's oceans, considerably increasing their scientific usefulness.

This advanced instrument draws upon the expertise accumulated through the development of the 2000 and 4000-meter profilers.

The profiler has been designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads to accommodate the many sensors used in the bio-Argo program. It is also equipped with two separate acoustic channels, low-frequency for seismology and high-frequency for meteorological applications and marine mammal tracking. It can also land on the seabed to deliberately avoid moving away from a point of scientific interest.

 In any case, equipped with a deep CTD sensor, it has been specially adapted for Deep Argo applications. This adaptation has now been validated, and the first Deep Argo tests are due to start in early 2025, culminating in a final test this summer.