SUCA: An engine for repetitive autonomous profiling near the ocean surface

Craig L. Stevens, Peter Hill, Murray J. Smith, and Stéphane Popinet
Limnol. Oceanogr. Methods (2005) 3:300-307

The SUCA (SUbmerging Controller Addition) is a robust engine for repeated profiling (yo-yoing) in near-surface waters. It connects to a number of existing oceanic sampling packages and enables many hundreds of profiles to be made over the upper 10 m or so of the ocean or lake in a relatively short period. The workings of the unit are described along with an estimate of power requirements and the wind-limited maximum depth. An advantage of the SUCA is that it enables the entire sampling package to be positively buoyant. The engine has proven to be a simple and robust device that is flexible enough to work with a range of sampling packages in a variety of locations including long-swell Southern Ocean conditions and choppy coastal waters.