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Autonomous ocean observing
We operate the Irish Glider Network, a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles that collects high-resolution data on ocean conditions. The network forms part of EirOOS, Ireland’s contribution to the European Ocean Observing System. The fleet includes three Teledyne Webb Slocum G3 gliders:
- Laochra na Mara
- Aisling na Mara
- Fionn
High-resolution, long-duration data
The gliders profile the water column to 1,000 metres, collecting data on:
- temperature
- salinity
- pressure (CTD profiles)
They also estimate depth-averaged currents by comparing dead reckoning with GPS fixes at the surface.
Gliders operate autonomously for up to 90 days, transmitting data via satellite between dives. They move at approximately 25 cm/s and can cover large areas over time. This helps scientists understand:
- How ocean layers change
- How water moves below the surface
- How conditions vary across Ireland’s seas
The resulting subsurface data complements Ireland’s deep-sea, offshore, and coastal monitoring systems. Together, these observations support a more complete understanding of ocean conditions across the marine environment.
Deployment and access
Gliders can be deployed from:
- RV Tom Crean
- RV Celtic Explorer
- other approved vessels
They are available to the research community for targeted surveys and collaborative projects.
Get involved or learn more
Email the team about accessing glider infrastructure or collaborating on research. Visit [marine.ie] for related infrastructure information. Follow updates from https://twitter.com/MarineInst and https://twitter.com/Eir_OOS.