MABEL - The First Seafloor Observatory for Multisciplinary Long-term Monitoring in Polar Environment

摘要

In the framework of the Italian Antarctic Program, a group of Italian and German Research Institutions and Industrial Companies are developing a multidisciplinary seafloor observatory (MABEL), for continuous and long-term measurements of geophysical, oceanographic, chemical and biological parameters in Antarctic waters. Conceived as an innovative tool for scientific research, MABEL will represent the first application of a seafloor observatory in a polar area. Its development represents a technological challenge, combining aspects like: · spin-off of existing projects; · engineering work for the development and adaptation of systems/components to operate in a hostile environment like deep polar waters; ·test and qualification activities in simulated and real conditions.