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Marine Biology

1.3 Marine research methods and technologies

3 min readLast Updated on July 22, 2024

Marine research relies on diverse sampling techniques to study ocean life and environments. From trawling and dredging to underwater surveys, scientists gather crucial data on species and habitats. These methods provide insights into marine ecosystems, helping researchers understand complex underwater worlds.

Advanced technologies enhance marine research capabilities. Remote sensing, underwater exploration tools, and sophisticated data analysis techniques allow scientists to collect and interpret vast amounts of information. These innovations enable deeper understanding of ocean processes, supporting conservation efforts and informing marine management decisions.

Marine Research Sampling Techniques

Sampling techniques in marine research

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  • Trawling involves dragging a large net through the water column or along the seafloor to collect fish (cod), crustaceans (shrimp), and other mobile organisms
    • Midwater trawls sample pelagic species in the open water
    • Bottom trawls sample benthic species living on or near the seafloor (flatfish)
  • Dredging uses a heavy frame with a collection bag or mesh to scrape the seafloor and collect sediment, benthic organisms (clams), and detritus
    • Provides information on benthic community composition and sediment characteristics (grain size)
  • Underwater surveys are non-destructive visual surveys conducted by divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to assess habitat, species abundance, and behavior
    • Transect surveys involve recording observations along a predetermined path (coral reef)
    • Quadrat surveys involve sampling within a defined area (seagrass bed)

Marine Research Technologies and Data Analysis

Remote sensing for marine studies

  • Satellite remote sensing uses sensors on satellites to collect data about the ocean surface
    • Measures sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration (phytoplankton), and sea level
    • Provides global coverage and long-term data sets for monitoring ocean conditions (El Niño)
  • Acoustic remote sensing uses sound waves to map the seafloor and water column
  • Aerial surveys use aircraft-mounted sensors to collect high-resolution imagery for mapping and monitoring coastal and shallow water habitats (mangroves)

Underwater exploration technologies

  • Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are tethered underwater robots controlled from the surface
    • Equipped with cameras, sensors, and sampling tools for deep-sea exploration, habitat surveys, and sample collection (hydrothermal vents)
  • Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are untethered, self-propelled vehicles that follow pre-programmed missions
    • Collect data on water properties, seafloor characteristics, and marine life while covering large areas and accessing remote locations (Arctic Ocean)
  • Underwater instrumentation includes:
    1. Conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) sensors measure water properties
    2. Fluorometers measure chlorophyll concentration and primary productivity
    3. Acoustic telemetry tags track animal movements and behavior (whale migration)

Data analysis in marine ecology

  • Statistical analysis identifies patterns, trends, and relationships in ecological data using techniques like regression, ANOVA, and multivariate analyses
    • Tests hypotheses and draws conclusions from complex data sets (species diversity)
  • Ecological modeling creates mathematical representations of ecological systems and processes
    • Population models predict changes in species abundance and distribution (fish stocks)
    • Ecosystem models simulate the flow of energy and nutrients through food webs (carbon cycle)
    • Informs management decisions and predicts responses to environmental change (climate change)
  • Geospatial analysis integrates spatial data from various sources using geographic information systems (GIS)
    • Maps and visualizes patterns of species distribution, habitat characteristics, and environmental variables
    • Identifies hotspots of biodiversity, productivity, or vulnerability to stressors (marine protected areas)

Term 1 of 20

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs)
See definition

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are advanced instruments used to measure the velocity of water currents in various aquatic environments. These devices use the Doppler effect of sound waves, emitted from a transducer, to determine how fast water is moving and in what direction. ADCPs can provide detailed profiles of current velocities at different depths, making them essential tools for marine research and monitoring applications.

Key Terms to Review (20)

Term 1 of 20

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs)
See definition

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are advanced instruments used to measure the velocity of water currents in various aquatic environments. These devices use the Doppler effect of sound waves, emitted from a transducer, to determine how fast water is moving and in what direction. ADCPs can provide detailed profiles of current velocities at different depths, making them essential tools for marine research and monitoring applications.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 20

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs)
See definition

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are advanced instruments used to measure the velocity of water currents in various aquatic environments. These devices use the Doppler effect of sound waves, emitted from a transducer, to determine how fast water is moving and in what direction. ADCPs can provide detailed profiles of current velocities at different depths, making them essential tools for marine research and monitoring applications.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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