Most of the earth, 70%, is covered by oceans, which supply us with food, transportation, and, of course, tropical sunsets, sailing, and surfing. Traditionally scientists have operated from research ships to measure the ocean. These ships are very expensive and slow, travelling at the speed of a bicycle. While these will remain an important tool for learning about our oceans and the life within them, new tools can help paint a better picture of how the ocean works, while involving the international community in the effort. Dr. Eric D’Asaro, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington, is a leader in propelling oceanography into the next generation through the use of robotic oceanographic vehicles and sensors for these vehicles. Dr. D’Asaro’s laboratory is one of the few that has the capability to conceive, design, build, and operate robotic oceanographic systems across a wide range of interdisciplinary ocean science. With the firm belief that the “future of ocean measurement is with robotic probes,” Dr. D’Asaro’s research gives opportunity to new types of systems and measurements. Over the last 20 years, the lab has developed and used underwater airplanes and balloons to study the physical, biological and chemical properties of the ocean. Just as the landscape around us has been transformed over time by man, the ocean landscapes are also shifting; Dr. D’Asaro’s research will help make sense of what the changes will be, how we can adapt to them, and, if possible, prevent the worst of them.

Dr. D’Asaro’s success as a professor, researcher and member of National Academy of Sciences has also enabled his strong engagement with Indian oceanographers on a working level. Dr. D’Asaro has worked to bring Indian Oceanography up to the highest modern standards. India’s small group of well-trained oceanographers, its large oceanographic ships and strong ocean technology have positioned India well for rapid improvement. Thus, it is the combination of Dr. D’Asaro’s success as a researcher, innovative hopes for the future, and international training and collaboration that have identified him as a leader in oceanography and an excellent reminder of the importance of science as an international enterprise.

Current research includes:

• Robotic systems: Dr. D’Asaro is working to develop new and innovative robotic systems, particularly those with native intelligence to react to environmental conditions without strong communications from human operators. Recent projects have included measurements under hurricanes, especially the use of underwater sound and electromagnetics to quantify the effects of the ocean on storm intensity. Measurements under the polar ice are an exciting new project, focussed on the intensifying blooms of algae within and under the ice brought on by thinning ice. Another new area is the robotic monitoring of the extensive and potentially growing low-oxygen dead zones using newly developed, highly sensitive sensors.

• Training Scientists: With a strong belief that the ocean and its impacts are global, Dr. D’Asaro is working to train future scientists in countries that have historically not been involved in oceanography. Specifically, Dr. D’Asaro is working with India to improve professionals’ technical knowledge to operate and maintain modern instrumentation, in addition to concepts and models needed to solve well-defined problems. Over the last few years, Dr. D’Asaro has spent many months working in India and has participated in two oceanographic cruises. He hopes to continue to work towards the long-term goal of improving the capability of their oceanographic groups until their program is sustainable without his assistance.

• Predicting Disaster: Dr. D’Asaro has teamed with oceanographers in India to study how the ocean influences the monsoons and cyclones that impact India. Aiming to improve weather models, he and his Indian collaborators hope that better predictions will result in better preparations for such disasters, both keeping people safe and preventing damage to  local agriculture.

• The Bay of Bengal: Dr. D’Asaro is working with Indian collaborators to study the potentially emerging dead zone in the Bay of Bengal. The massive inflows of fresh river water from the annual monsoons uniquely isolates the deeper waters here, allowing the oxygen to be depleted a process that may be accelerated with climate change. Despite this, there has been little study here. This a unique opportunity for robotic monitoring, for local training in these techniques and for international collaboration among the multiple countries adjoining the Bay, as well as a topic of strong interest within India.