CPSD Cluster Computing Facility

The CPSD Lab's Cluster is used for running circulation and wave propagation models.

CPSD HF Radar (WERA) Systems

The CPSD Lab is operating 2 12-antenna phase resolving WEllen RAdar (WERA) systems manufactured by Helzel Gmbh. These systems are used for remotely measuring surface ocean currents and waves with range and spatial resolution depending on operating frequency. Currently one of them is long range (~150-200 km) operating at 8.3MHz while the other is capable of operating at 8.3 or 42.0 MHz (VHF). The latter frequency provides reduced range but measurements with high spatial resolution (~150m).

South Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing Tripods

The CPSD Lab's Benthic Boundary Layer Tripods (affectionately called "Scooter " and Big-Foot") are used for the study of bottom turbulence due to combined action of waves and currents, and resulting sediment resuspension and transport processes. "Scooter" and "Big Foot" can hold numerous instruments at one time for a wide range of data collection.

Broadband Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP)

The ADCPs are used for measuring the vertical distribution of the 3-D current field in estuarine and coastal waters. They can be used as a moored instrument or from a moving vessel.

Manufactured by RD Instruments Ltd.

Digital Multi-Frequency Imaging Sonar

The sonar can image the sea bed by rotating either 180 or 360 degrees, using various frequencies. Can be used horizontal (like a side-scan sonar) or vertically as a pencil beam sonar to provide an elevation  profile of the seabed.

Manufactured by Imagenex.

Imagenex Model 881 Digital Tilt Adjust Imaging Sonar

The Imagenex Model 881 Tilt Transducer allows the user to concentrate the sound towards the bottom. Typical uses are in bottom mounted stationary tripods for scientific studies of sand wave motion and/or mine burial.

Manufactured by Imagenex.

Hydra - Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADVs)

They are used in the field and lab to measure 3-D components of flow., and to measure the orbital velocities of waves and marine turbulence. Each unit is integrated with an accurate pressure, temperature, compass and tilt sensor, and a nephelometer (OBS, for suspended sediment concentration).

Manufactured by SonTek/YSI Inc.

They are used in the field and to measure 3-D components of flow., and to measure the orbital velocities of waves and marine turbulence. Self-recording units integrated with an accurate pressure, temperature, compass and tilt sensor. Suitable for Surf-zone experiments.

Manufactured by SonTek/YSI Inc.

LISST-100 (Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry) Particle Size Analyzer

It is used, both in the field and the laboratory to obtain information on particle size spectra and concentration within each size fraction.

Manufactured by Sequoia Scientific Inc.

Acoustic Backscatter System (AQUAscat)

The AQUAscat transmits pulses of high frequency sound on up to four different transducers, each of which may operate at a different frequency. It measures the sound scattered by sediment or other suspended materials.

Manufactured by Aquatec Electronics Ltd.

Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) Unit

The CTD is used in the field and lab to measure conductivity and temperature of the water as a function of depth. The water density can be estimated and different water masses identified (i.e., fresh vs. sea water). It is integrated with a nephelometer (OBS) for measurement of the sediment in suspension.

Manufactured by Ocean Sensors.

2 MHz Aquadopp Current Profiler

The Aquadopp uses 3 acoustic beams to measure the current profile in water with Doppler technology. It can be deployed on the bottom, on a mooring rig, on a buoy or on any other fixed structure. The internal tilt and compass sensors tell the current direction and the pressure sensor gives depth.

Manufactures by Nortek.

Fluorometer & Turbidity Sensor

The ECO FLNTU is a dual-wavelength, single-angle sensor for simultaneously determining both chlorophyll fluorescence and turbidity.

Manufactured by Wet Labs.

Dual Frequency Echosounder DGPS Integrated System

It is used for measuring the distance from the sea surface to the ocean bottom, and can measure coastal ocean and lagoon bathymetry. The horizontal coordinates of each sounding are also recorded using a Differential Global Positioning System integrated with the echosounder.

Manufactured by SIMRAD.

ABS Calibration Chamber

The calibration tank is 2 meters high by 50 cm in diameter. Recirculation of water/sediment mixture is achieved using an air-driven diaphragm pump.  Flow is dispersed at the top of the chamber through a three position manifold which is further divided into 12 outlets. Generally particle resuspension is simulated using either natural sand or glass spheres.  

In-house development.