Systems and methods for analyzing underwater, subsurface and atmospheric environments

Abstract

The systems and methods described herein include, among other things, systems capable of being deployed for long periods of time in oceanic, subsurface and atmospheric environments. The systems typically include mass spectrometers to measure low molecular weight gases dissolved in the water and volatile chemicals in air and water, and can move through the ocean, subsurface and atmospheric environment to take samples over a large geographic area. Additionally, these mass spectrometer devices are small and require little power and thereby facilitate the development of sample collection devices that can be placed at a remote location and operated for a substantial period of time from an on-board power supply such as a battery or a fuel cell. Such small and lightweight mass spectrometer devices when combined with low power AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and other manned and un-manned vehicles, can take samples over substantial distances and for a substantial period of time.