78
University of Hawaii scientists have installed a new observatory on the ocean floor about 70 miles north of Oahu.
The observatory three miles below the water’s surface is connected to Oahu by a telecommunications cable that will allow scientists to make sustained, real-time observations in the ocean.
The University of Hawaii officials said Monday that the sustained, continuous recording of deep ocean conditions will help scientists better understand ocean acoustics, circulation, chemistry and ecosystem behavior.
Sensors connected to the ALOHA Cabled Observatory will provide live video of the surrounding seafloor. They can measure currents and temperature, as well as indicate when tsunami waves or surface wind waves are passing through the upper ocean.
The university and the National Science Foundation are paying for the device, which was installed in June.
