SEAMONSTER: Applications and Challenges of Distributed Sensor Array to Southeast Alaska Science

SEAMONSTER, the SouthEast Alaska MOnitoring Network for Scientific TElecommunication and Research, is a network being developed to provide infrastructure to benefit research through Southeast Alaska. The array will be composed of 'bricks,' which are small Linux-based computers with digitizers and wireless network communication capabilities. The first use of this network is for bioacoustic monitoring of bats in Southeast Alaska for species identification and measurements for population dynamics. Addition projects during summer 2004 include experiments for range link budget estimation, measurements to study network requirement, and seismic and glaciology test-of-concept experiments. The presentation will highlight the results of development and testing during 2004 while emphasizing possible uses of the network which can enable and enhance current and future research projects in southeast Alaska. The capabilities and possibilities of the 'bricks' will be described.