Acoustics in Ocean Observing: from Abyssal Cabled Systems to Gliders

The concept of integrated acoustics for ocean observing embraces passive acoustic monitoring, navigation and positioning, communications, and tomography using fixed and mobile platforms within the framework of unifying, data assimilating ocean and platform models. It has been maturing over the last two decades and longer. Selected results from the authors’ past and present work illustrating the various components are presented. These include using a wave glider as a communications/navigation gateway and for passive monitoring, preliminary results of long range underwater glider precise positioning, and passive measurements at the ALOHA Cabled Observatory. Ongoing and new infrastructure developments will support these and many other continuing efforts. For example, the International Telecommunications Union is coordinating steps to have sensors included in commercial submarine cables; over the coming decades, normal cable replacement could yield a long-lived reliable observing network spanning the ocean basins.