STUDIES WITH THE DIVING SAUCER 



A new research technique developed at NEL consisted of 

 simultaneous investigations from the Cousteau diving saucer and 

 at the tower. This technique extended geographically the area 

 available for oceanographic research. Joint tower-saucer studies 

 included current speed and direction, water transparency, and 

 temperature. 



Another purpose of the tower-saucer work was to study the 

 sea floor westward of the tower. The detailed features observed 

 and photographed were sediments, bottom roughness, shell dis- 

 tribution, organic matter, benthic organisms, and fish in the 

 water column and on the sea floor. Each of these factors has an 

 influence on acoustic reflection. 



It was also desirable to find out if there were any unusual 

 features which would influence internal waves propagating shore- 

 ward up the shelf. Finally, a search was made to determine 

 whether or not the location was suitable for the installation of 

 acoustic arrays and a new tower. It was found to be excellently 

 suited for additional installations. 



Tower-saucer joint operations proved highly success- 

 ful. They extended oceanographic investigations 

 outward from the tower and showed that the area to 

 the west was well suited for additional installations. 



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