Photographic Benthic Observing System (PhoBOS)
Capturing video of the deep seafloor 24/7
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| This photo shows the PhoBOS video system on top of the MARS science node in Monterey Bay. Image: (c) 2010 MBARI |
The Photographic Benthic Observing System (PhoBOS) is an integrated suite of instruments that have been place at the MARS site to monitor ocean conditions and seafloor life. PhoBOS includes several instruments that measure water temperature, salinity (a Seabird CTD), and ocean currents (an RDI Workhorse ADCP). The package aalso includes an underwater video camera (Pegasus Zoom Camera) that whose pan and tilt can be controlled from shore.
PhoBOS is currently sitting directly on the top of the MARS node and is plugged into one of the eight science ports. Data and video from PhoBOS helps engineers and ROV pilots better understand the conditions at the MARS site. This makes it easier to design and install equipment on the deep-sea observatory.
The PhoBOS video camera provides another view of the site that is useful for ROV operators working around the MARS site. Data from the system, including still images is being logged by the MBARI Shore Side Data System (SSDS) and is available on the web.
