LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Karsten, Richard
Kiefte, Anna

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Physics

Physics

An original dead-reckoning algorithm for SeaExplorer ocean gliders was developed and used to estimate ocean currents. The algorithm was used on four glider missions that followed the Halifax Line (HL) across the Scotian Shelf, and one mission that followed the Bonavista Line (BVL) across the Newfoundland Shelf. The algorithm successfully measured the Nova Scotia Current and showed the seasonal variation from late summer to late fall. The data from the BVL was used to compare the depth measurements made by the glider’s navigation sensors to the payload conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensor (CTD). The small differences in the depth measurements proved to have a significant effect on the displacement calculations in the dead-reckoning algorithm resulting in differences in both the speed and direction. The original algorithm was also compared to a dead-reckoning algorithm developed by the SeaExplorer manufacturer, Alseamar, using one of the missions from the HL. The original algorithm neglected the angle of attack of the glider, while the Alseamar algorithm parameterized it with a pitch to vx/vz ratio. To specifically analyze the effect of the angle of attack, the original algorithm was modified to include the pitch to vx/vz ratio from the Alseamar algorithm. This showed that the angle of attack was a key piece of the algorithms, as the current calculations from the original algorithm, the edited version of the original algorithm, and the Alseamar algorithm had significant differences in both speed and direction of the currents.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3677