BORAbox®: Sensors measuring Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)
About 25% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions added to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuel have been taken up by the ocean.
While this helps to mitigate increased atmospheric CO2 it causes the ocean to acidify (lower pH). Large areas of the planet, in particular the deep ocean, have a lack of measurements. By selectively rolling out proven BORAbox® technology to the extensive network of Subsea7's global offshore infrastructure, the observing network for CO2 could be significantly enhanced in areas with data gaps and in deeper water.
What is BORAbox®?
BORAbox® is a suite of sensors, fitted to Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) or other offshore infrastructure to help measure the health of the ocean by measuring Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs). BORAbox® measures carbonate system EOVs using the latest lab-on-chip technology and send the data successfully back to NOC scientists. Data is gathered in hidden operational time, in otherwise inaccessible areas enhancing the global reach of ocean observations.
Sensors to Make Sense of the Sea
By adding innovative sensors to ROVs, vessels and infrastructure, we can collect data in otherwise inaccessible areas and with a focus on EOVs, these measurements will have a high impact on a global scale. To begin with, BORAbox® will monitor temperature, salinity, depth and the carbonate system, all of which are vital in helping monitor the wellbeing of our oceans.
Technical
A sensor box is integrated onto an ROV, Tether Management System or other subsea infrastructure. The particular EOVs measured, and the technical requirements may vary depending on mission profile or geography and sensor-based human interaction is minimal. Data is collected and sent to the vessel or platform for regular processing providing a constant steam of data for the team at NOC to analyse and make available to the global science community.
BORAbox® data is analysed by scientists and used to support wider observing initiatives, helping shape major global ocean health assessments. The data also supports evidence-based policymaking at a local, national, and international level.
Case Study: Seven Falcon BORAbox®
Monitoring the ocean carbonate system is crucial in helping us to understand and assess ocean acidification and the uptake of CO2 by the oceans - which in turn is vital for understanding the effects of climate change. BORAbox® units have been deployed on Subsea7 vessels, collecting data in several locations in the North Sea, Norwegian Seas and offshore Brazil.
The data collected from BORAbox®, in any location, has great value to scientists. One BORAbox® deployed to the Seven Falcon at the beginning of 2023 during routine operations in the North Sea has already contributed substantially to the collection of EOVs in that area, with 88% of total alkalinity (TA) measurements in the region coming from the BORAbox®.
Ocean acidification knowledge is crucial for understanding ecosystem biodiversity and health.
