First Mission Completed for the SEAEXPLORER SEA113 underwater glider, named Morgana, in the waters of the Ligurian Sea. Morgana is one of three new gliders acquired by CNR-ISMAR, thanks to the funds from the PNRR ITINERIS project, and managed by the group of CNR Lerici.The glider is an autonomous underwater vehicle that moves in water according to a pre-established navigation mission, using the principle of buoyancy variation and the action of wings. It periodically surfaces and transmits the oceanographic data acquired by its sensors through satellites.
For 16 days, Morgana traveled in the waters between Deiva Marina and Framura (Ligurian Sea), collecting data on temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. Also equipped with a biochemical sensor, Morgana recorded detailed profiles of chlorophyll, backscatter, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), tracing, that way, the dynamic picture of the area, characterized by strong currents.
Morgana’s mission was entirely planned and managed by the CNR-ISMAR Lerici team, a team that took shape during the ITINERIS project, thanks to the recruitment of new technicians and researchers, supporting a targeted professional training program.
The gliders of the ITINERIS project enhance the marine observation system of CNR and are part of the JERICO network – Joint European Research Infrastructure for Coastal Observatories.
This is just the first of a series of planned missions. Stay tuned for upcoming updates on scientific results!
