SURVEYING THE OCEANS (OCEANOGRAPHIC) 57 



new observational techniques. Coordinated, closely spaced bottom 

 samples, underwater photographs, and depth soundings provide 

 information necessary for the routing of submarine cables and 

 design of bottom structures. Collection techniques have only 

 recently been augmented by the use of deep submersibles in the 

 AUTEC and St. Croix ranges. Ranges with critical needs for 

 real-time environmental data, for example, AUTEC Weapons 

 Range, require permanent buoy arrays which transmit data to a 

 shore facility for direct input to computers . 



The scope of oceanographic support required for range develop- 

 ment and operation will doubtless increase as range facilities are 

 expanded. More abundant and accurate oceanograpic data will be 

 required during some range tests in keeping with the increasing 

 environmental sensitivity of newer generation weapons or detection 

 systems. To meet this challenge, future range surveys will make 

 greater use of submersibles and buoy technology. 



Many of the tools and techniques developed for range support 

 surveys will find application elsewhere in the marine sciences. For 

 example, fine-grained bottom survey methods can be related 

 directly to ocean mining and problems in search and recovery. 

 Equipment developed for range monitoring can be applied to 

 larger ocean areas for a better understanding of the ocean's 

 "weather" patterns. Finally, the wealth of experience that will 

 accrue from the installation, operation, and maintenance of various 

 underwater equipment will be invaluable to commercial and other 

 nonmilitary interests as they develop their maritime activities. 



