Technical Seminar: "Glacsweb: Electronics and Computer Science in Action on Glaciers" by Kirk Martinez from IAM.

Tuesday 16 January 2007, 5.30-6.30pm, Zepler Seminar Room 1.

The aims of Glacsweb are:

* Develop a low power wireless sensor network node capable of surviving for several years
* Gather the data autonomously into a web accessible database
* Develop a system to locate the probes inside the glacier
* Promote the design of sensor webs

A combination of technologies has made environmental sensor networks possible. These will eventually be spread around the world and will give us a clearer picture of how we are changing our environment. In order to make successful sensor webs issues such as: communications, low-power, robustness and adaptability have to be solved. A combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science and environmental science are needed.

The aim of this project is to study climate change through its effects on glaciers. We are using 'Subglacial Probes' beneath the glacier, communicating to the surface via radio links. They contain various sensors and their position and orientation is sensed by the surface system.