INSPIRE Track 1: Acoustic Sensor Networks for Ice-Covered Seas

National Science Foundation (Award No. 1344264)

01/01/2014 -- 12/31/2016

Project Summary

This project aims to design and develop an integrated underwater acoustic sensor network for ice-covered seas. It will transmit data wirelessly through acoustic waves from sub-surface ocean sensors to a receiving array with a surface connection to satellites and the Internet. The sensor and communication network will support 1) long-term, intelligent distributed Arctic observing systems, 2) assimilation of remote-sensing and in-situ under-ice measurements, and 3) regional and global climate modeling with real-time measurements. Such a network holds the promise to revolutionize under-ice ocean sampling in polar regions.

Providing long-term, long-range acoustic connectivity, the team will address three major new research challenges: 1) Mid-frequency (1-5 kHz), mid-range (10 km) acoustic wave propagation in the transition zone; 2) Data telemetry in the new communication environment; and 3) Resilient sensor networks that cope with and harness complex dynamics of the transition zone. The multi-disciplinary team will implement reliable modem hardware, integrate it with resilient network protocol, and optimize the system design for Arctic deployment to support ocean experiments.

This project will expand the limits and capabilities of underwater communication networks in the transition zone where sea ice changes from 1) smooth land-fast ice to 2) ridged mobile ice to 3) open water. This project requires integration of both existing knowledge from a set of diverse disciplines and intellectual innovations within each discipline. It will modify underwater communication network theory, coastal acoustic propagation and scattering, and experimental design of oceanography.

Project Objectives

In order for the project to generate new acoustic modeling, new communication technologies, and innovative under-ice sensor networks for Arctic science exploration and discovery, the team will implement reliable modem hardware, integrate it with resilient network protocol, and optimize the system design for Arctic deployment to support ocean experiments, as summarized below:

1. Year One -- Start the proposed research thrusts in ocean acoustic, acoustic communication, and resilient senor network. Complete of under-ice acoustic propagation modelling. Complete reliable acoustic modem physical layer design.
2. Year Two -- Complete development of resilient sensor networks. Complete acoustic modems for the Arctic environment. Complete network solution evaluations and system integration.
3. Year Three -- Refine moderate scale sensor network development for the Arctic environment. Conduct an experiment in the Arctic Ocean.

Project Participants

This project involves a diverse team with with complementary expertise. Drs. Song and Peng will oversee the project at the UDel (lead institute) and UConn (subaward), respectively. Our team combines expertise in Arctic oceanography (Muenchow), ocean acoustics (Badiey, Song), acoustic communications and signal processing (Song, Zhou), sensor networks and systems (Cui, Peng, Zhou), and intelligent information and data processing (Cui, Peng, Song, Zhou). The entire team will design and develop the under-ice sensor network collaboratively via regular video conferences and annual workshops.

Faculty Participants

• Dr. Aijun Song (University of Delaware PI), oversees the project at the University of Delaware.
• Dr. Andreas Muenchow (University of Delaware Co-PI), provides insight and guidelines of Arctic oceanography.
• Dr. Mohsen Badiey (University of Delaware Co-PI), study the ocean acoustics in the Arctic area.
• Dr. Zheng Peng (University of Connecticut PI), oversees the project at the University of Connecticut.
• Dr. Jun-Hong Cui (Senior Personel), design and develop the sensor networks and systems.
• Dr. Shengli Zhou (Senior Personal), design and develop advanced acoustic communications and signal processing methods.

Related Links

• NSF project abstract