10 | P a g e
Figure 0-1.
Tectonic plates across the
Antarctic region.
Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications
(SMART) Cables
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
An Antarctic SMART cable presents a unique
opportunity to capture largely undiscovered
information in the Southern Ocean.
A SMART cable is a submarine fiber optic
cable that is equipped with specially
designed sensors which collect information
including seismic data, ocean temperature,
and
pressure.
This
technology
could
significantly
enhance
tsunami
and
earthquake early warning efforts, as well as
provide valuable insight for marine research,
climate change, and sea level rise. The NSF
OPP, the Antarctic science community, and
academic researchers are collaborating with
commercial SFOC suppliers to shape and
further exciting SMART cable developments.
For more information
on the development
of SMART cable
technology, see
Section 18.0,
Scientific Sensors.
Figure 0-2.
Illustration of a repeater housing showing two
possible sensor mounting locations ((a) on the end of repeater
housing under the bell housing or (b) in an external pod.
Accelerometers are mounted inside the pressure housing (c)).
(SNAM, 2023)
(Yarr65, 2023)