ENVIRONMENTAL FLUID MECHANICS
University of Texas at Austin, Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering
 
 

The Environmental Fluid Mechanics Group has started some field work. We have purchased a SCAMP to look at salinity, temperature and turbulence characteristics. Our initial focus is on Corpus Christi Bay

We've been using a Manta (by Eureka) in cooperation with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to do some sampling of dissolved oxygen.

For an experiment at the confluence of Oso bay and Corpus Christi Bay, we deployed (with TWDB) an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to measure the next exchange

About the SCAMP and Manta

SCAMP is a Self-Contained Autonomous MicroProfiler made by Precision Measurement Engineering, Inc. (www.pme.com).

Our SCAMP has sensors for temperature, conductivity (i.e. salinity), light (PAR), turbidity, fluourescence and depth (pressure). The temperature and conductivity are fast response sensors that are capable of providing 1 mm scale resolution so that we can examine the local gradients overturned by turbulence.

The PME web site has lots of info on the SCAMP < here >

The Eureka Manta is a profiling probe that we have used for temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO). It also does a load of other stuff - check it out < here

 

Some preliminary results of transects in Corpus Christi Bay using the Manta in shallow water. We can clearly see the development of hypoxia in the thin-layer, high-salinity underflow. Expect to see a paper on this submitted to Estuaries sometime in the near future.

 

(at right) Cedric, with the SCAMP ready to deploy from the TWDB research boat in Corpus Christi Bay

 

 

 

(at left) Retrieving the SCAMP

You can tell this is a retrieval because the pin holding the drag plate (yellow/black) has been tripped to allow the plate to pivot.

 

The SCAMP is deployed and retrieved on a lightweight nylon line (orange reel)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deploying the SCAMP from the CRWR 14 foot boat is a little tippy.

 

One great thing about the Manta is that its easy to deploy - at left my 11 year old son gets some field experience.

 

 

  

 

Jordan Furnans (at right) was our Manta guru. You can look at the data real-time during deployment.

 

The CRWR boat is only 14 foot, so its OK in calm water, but we don't go out in strong winds.

 

Working with the TWDB is convenient as they have some larger and more stable boats

 

Of course, the professor is always there to point the students in the right direction...
©2006 Ben R. Hodges • last updated December 20, 2005

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