Instrument: Submersible Autonomous Moored Instrument

The Submersible Autonomous Moored Instrument (SAMI) measures and logs levels of dissolved chemicals in sea and fresh water. It is a plastic cylinder about 6 inches wide and 2 feet long that is self-powered and capable of hourly measurements for up to one year. All data collected are logged to an internal memory chip to be downloaded later. SAMI sensors usually are placed a few feet underwater on permanent moorings, while others on floating drifters sample the water wherever the wind and currents carry them. The instruments have been used by researchers around the globe in a variety of studies since 1999. Dr. Mike DeGrandpre, University of Montana, developed the SAMI between 1990 and 1993 during his postdoctoral work at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Woods Hole, MA, USA). For additional information, see URL: http://www.sunburstsensors.com/ from the manufacturer, Sunburst Sensors, LLC, 1226 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802.