Slocum glider: Expanding our understanding of the oceans

A testament to Stommel's visionary prowess, he penned a futuristic article of a persistent ocean observation system based on enabling technologies that did not exist a quarter of a century ago. Built around "pioneering ocean engineer" Doug Webb's underwater glider concept, Stommel's imagination was sparked by the opportunity gliders provided to broaden our understanding of the oceans and perhaps even more important to him, by the potential it had to draw peoples interest and excitement for ocean dynamics. In this same vein, Teledyne Webb Research has maintained a core focus and commitment to providing tools, capable of operating in harsh environments, that excel in long-endurance worldwide remote ocean sensing. Our fundamental goal remains to better enable understanding of the world's oceans. Presented are the newest features of the Slocum G2 that allow greater mission flexibility including hybrid thruster capabilities, increased buoyancy pump displacement, the latest sensor suites, piloting interface tools, and processor upgrade under development. Outlined are four main glider mission objectives: Storm gliders, Persistent Ocean Observation gliders, Ice gliders - polar efforts, and Global Class gliders, including Thermal gliders, that are making long duration transects approximating the course of the Challenger expedition of 1872-76. Slocum gliders have helped to redefine range and endurance in the world of AUVs, making a significant impact on our ability to better see into the world's oceans. With a total accumulated distance flown that would surpass reaching the moon, from coastal surveys to trans-oceanic crossings, gliders are certainly advancing our understanding of ocean dynamics and fulfilling Stommel's vision of creating interest and curiosity about our oceans.