This is a whole new level in the study of the Arctic region
The Arctic region will be studied using constellations of automated and robotic systems, namely, ice stations, floating buoys and underwater gliders. They will increase the efficiency of research so that a holistic picture of the region can be obtained.
The use of automated systems to study the Arctic has become a global trend. Therefore, Russia needs to accelerate the development of modern advanced scientific equipment to maintain its leadership in exploring the polar region, Sergey Pisarev, Head of the Polar Oceanology Group of the Hydrological Processes Laboratory, Leading Researcher at the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said.
One of the promising Russian developments is underwater gliders. Underwater gliders are unmanned systems that move using the force of underwater currents. They are equipped with electric batteries and electronics that move the cargo inside them and also change the angle of the wings on the outside. Such manipulations help gliders to dive or propel themselves to great depths, collect data, surface and transmit the received information to satellites, according to the Head of the Polar Oceanology Group.
Such vehicles are already used in the world both for scientific purposes and dual-purpose applications, the scientist notes. In Russia, underwater gliders still exist only in the form of samples and are not used in practice.
The scientist believes that Russia will have to develop a whole class of diverse equipment - from simple sensors to complicated automatic complexes - to research the polar region. This will allow comprehensive exploration of northern waters and territories without endangering people's health.
In addition, it is necessary to launch communications and Earth remote sensing satellites into space. Together, orbital and ground-based constellations will make it possible to create a holistic picture of the Arctic, said the scientist.
Source: b-port
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