Real-time Observation

River and Estuary Observatory Network (REON)

Beacon Institute deployed B3 -- the second sensor array for the REON system -- in the Mohawk River in Waterford, NY (Latitude: 42° 48'38" N, Longitude: 73° 43' 15” W), a couple of miles upstream of the River's confluence with the Hudson River. The site is located just outside of the Erie Canal channel, just upstream of Canal Lock 6. B3 is moored with a four point tension mooring system that includes six 100 lb mushroom anchors (four upstream for anchoring and two downstream for stabilization). The shackles and chains of mooring adjust tension on the platform based on water and wind conditions, much like the way shock absorbers smooth the ride of an automobile.

PV panels provide solar power to batteries on deck, which power everything on the sensor platform including the wireless communications. The computer-controlled autonomous robotic profiler enables an array of multiple sensors to move up and down in the water for measurements.

An on-board computer receives information from the instruments and serves as a data logger, and relays commands to profilers. Remote programming allows for autonomous and cyber control of the sensor array. Also, the camera installed at the monitoring site takes a snapshot after every profile. When it gets dark, the IR lights turn on. They reflect off the inside of the camera enclosure so the photo is a bit dodgy, but at least the photo of instrument cage is clearly visible. The camera is tilt-swivel, so it can be repositioned as needed so that it can be turned around to explore the condition of instrument cage and monitoring site. The Snapshot from the latest profile is available in the following link:

SNAPSHOT TAKEN AT THE MONITORING SITE DURING THE LATEST PROFILE

Vertical profiles of observational data collected around the monitoring site for twenty four hours

(Data are presented with reference to EDT)
7-day profile

30-day profile

Metadata

North component Current Profile

On B2, the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) points downward toward the river bed and measures the direction and speed of the water current. Positive velocity magnitude (yellow to red) indicates that water is moving towards north. Negative velocity magnitude (turquoise to blue) shows water moving to the south.

North Component Current Profile (cm/s)

East component Current Profile

On B2, the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) points downward toward the river bed and measures the direction and speed of the water current. Positive velocity magnitude (yellow to red) indicates that water is moving towards east whereas negative velocity magnitude (turquoise to blue) shows water moving to the west.

East Component Current Profile (cm/s)

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Total particle concentration measured by Particle sizer (LISST-100X)

This figure shows the variation of particle concentration measured by particle sizer (LISST-100X) at the platform over time. A strong current in either direction can move water and particles from bottom. Normally the particle concentration is expected to be greater at bottom of the river, and less dense at the upper portions of the water column.

Particle Volume Conc. (ul/l)

Atmospheric conditions

A meteorological sensor on the platform measures wind direction, flow and speed, as well as air temperature and barometric pressure.

Atmospheric Conditions

(Wind Speed, Direction, Air Temp., Press)

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Total particle concentration measured by Flurometer (BBFL2)

A three-channel flurometer (BBFL2) is a unique instrument that provides data on the presence of biological, physical and chemical particles in the water. Optical backscatter (OBS) measured by BBFL2 provides an indirect measure of the particle concentration in the water column. OBS has been calibrated in our laboratory for determination of relationship between OBS and total particle concentration based on a suspension of clay particles. However, the actual relationship between OBS and particle concentration depends on the size distribution and composition of the particles under examination, so the particle concentration reported by this sensor can be different from that measured by particle sizer (i.e., LISST-100X). Red-colored in the figure below represent higher particle concentration whereas blue-colored represent lower particle concentration.

Total Particle Conc. (µl/L)

CDOM: Color Dissolved Organic Matter

Also on the FL3 is a CDOM sensor which measures dissolved organic matter particles in the water. As a natural water mass tracer, the CDOM sensor measures how organic contaminants and metals distribute themselves in the river. Red shows a higher concentration of organic matter, blue is lower.

CDOM (ppb)

Dissolved oxygen

The optical oxygen sensor is uses optical fluorescence technology to detect the amount of oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen is an important indicator of ecological health. Red means low concentration of oxygen, blue means higher concentration of oxygen.

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)

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Conductivity and Salinity

Conductivity and salinity, while measured in different units, are both indicators of the amount of salt present in the water.

Red shows high tide, with high salt water concentration from the ocean. Blue shows low tide, with more fresh water

concentration. There is a slight amount of lag time with this parameter due to tidal variations.

Conductivity (uS/cm)

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Salinity (psu)

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Water temperature

In this figure, red indicates warmer water, while blue indicates colder water. Water temperature can vary with the tide

and time of day.

Water Temperature (deg. C)

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Particle size distribution

The following figures display particle size distribution at different depths of water column. The magnitude of particle concentration is presented here in color-coded shaded surface. The red color means higher concentration whereas blue color means lower concentration. Height of the surface also represents magnitude of particle concentration.