SECCHI UAE
The Secchi Disk Project is a collaborative initiative at the intersection of science and citizen engagement, aimed at quantifying ocean turbidity through the utilization of a Secchi Disk. This endeavor is the result of a partnership between NYU Abu Dhabi's Citizen Researcher Program and the esteemed NYUAD ACCESS Lab.
A JOINT EFFORT OF
The Secchi Disk is a fundamental tool in environmental science and limnology used to measure water clarity and transparency in bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. It consists of a circular, flat disk, typically painted with alternating black and white quadrants, attached to a rope or line. This instrument is named after Italian priest and scientist Pietro Angelo Secchi, who developed it in the mid-19th century.
To use the Secchi Disk, it is lowered vertically into the water until it disappears from view. The depth at which it vanishes, known as the Secchi depth, is then recorded. This measurement provides valuable insights into the quality of the water and the degree to which light can penetrate through the water column. A shallower Secchi depth usually indicates clearer, less turbid water with greater transparency, while a deeper Secchi depth suggests murkier or more turbid conditions with reduced visibility.
Scientists, environmentalists, and researchers commonly employ the Secchi Disk as a cost-effective and straightforward method to assess water quality, monitor changes in aquatic ecosystems, and study the impact of pollutants or sedimentation. It plays a crucial role in understanding the health of aquatic environments and is often integrated into broader water quality monitoring programs. Additionally, citizen scientists and volunteers frequently use Secchi Disks, contributing to community-driven efforts to protect and preserve water resources.
Here's a video demonstration for you on how to calculate data and contribute as a Citizen Researcher.
The project consists in a continued campaign of measurements of the Secchi disk depth, which is a measure of water transparency. NYUAD shall provide a tool kit where citizen researchers can build their own Secchi Disk, and provide a mobile phone app that allows Citizen Researcher to upload their GPS position and the measured Secchi depth. The data will be used as a teaching tool, as well as for validating our high-resolution Gulf ocean model. You can view the data on the monitoring page.
You can download the Secchi UAE app on an Android or an iOS device to start contributing to the project. Scan the QR Code or click on the relevant links.
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