Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/X009203/1
Building and deploying instruments in cold environments
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr M Prior-Jones, Cardiff University, Sch of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Grant held at:
- Cardiff University, Sch of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Glacial & Cryospheric Systems
- Wireless Sensor Networks
- Networks & Distributed Systems
- Data Collection
- Environmental Sensors
- Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
- Technology and method dev
- Technol. for Environ. Appl.
- Ground-based networks
- Abstract:
- This ATSC is for early-career researchers (ECRs) in cryospheric sciences: the study of the frozen regions of our planet. Collecting data from these remote regions relies heavily on automated sensors, so cryospheric scientists need skills covering environmental science and engineering. Opportunities for ECRs to learn these field engineering skills are limited. The COVID19 pandemic has also reduced fieldwork opportunities where ECRs could learn from senior colleagues, handson in the field. We thus propose this interdisciplinary, residential ATSC in order to provide the next generation of cryospheric scientists with these key skills by: 1) showing ECRs how to work with instrumentation in remote and cold environments; 2) giving ECRs confidence for fieldwork from training in a realistic but safe environment; 3) demonstrating good practices in safe deployment of instrumentation; 4) helping ECRs to network with each other and with experienced researchers. We propose an open-source approach: both for the hardware and software used on the course (e.g. Arduino) and for the course materials. This enables rapid development of novel instruments; fast sharing of designs within the scientific community; greater transparency and replicability; and lower instrument costs. It also nurtures interdisciplinary creativity by giving scientists knowledge of instrument design. We will also demonstrate the use of some proprietary instrumentation, to show the strengths and weaknesses of both the open-source and proprietary approaches. Format: a mixture of talks and both indoor and outdoor practical exercises. Each attendee will build a simple instrument from a kit and then deploy it outdoors. They will learn how to work safely as a team in a cold environment and to look after themselves and each other. Attendees will be provided with their own set of basic engineering tools and will take the completed instruments and tools home afterwards, for use in future research work. The course curriculum will include: - Electronics: for non-engineers (direct current (DC) circuit theory, digital vs analogue signals) - Software: embedded software development using the Arduino development environment - Solar power: design for use in cold regions (solar panels, regulators and batteries) - Communications: cellular and satellite modems, wireless radio links - Weatherproofing: choice of enclosures, ingress protection (IP) ratings, cable glands - Field installations: poles and supports, guy ropes, snow and ice anchors, use of sledges - Safety: safe use of tools, electrical safety, basic field safety for snow-covered sites - Management: record-keeping, documentation, data curation and metadata management Location: We aim to provide a safe, easy-to-reach training environment that has sub-zero temperatures and snow cover. Our intended venue is Haugastol, Norway, in the mountains between Oslo and Bergen. Haugastol is easily reached by train, and the hotel there can provide accommodation and full board, providing a warm, comfortable location for training and access to a snowy environment right outside. We will provide 20 places for attendees. The course aims to deliver a higher level of engineering skills within the next generation of UK scientists working in polar and high mountain regions. This will help deliver more cost-effective and carbon-efficient research in these regions and help provide vital data that will help us forecast and mitigate the future effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and coastal flooding.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/X009203/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £60,699
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £60,699 |
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