STEMSEAS

GNSS-A AK/CAS 2026 Deployment

We request ship time to use a planned transit in order to deploy two wave gliders as part of a sea floor geodesy experiment. Under NSF grant 2232638, "Collaborative Research: Near-Trench Community Geodetic Experiment", we deploy wave glider autonomous vehicles with GNSS-Acoustic interrogation packages. Current experimental areas include subduction zones offshore Cascadia and Alaska. We note that the R/V Sally Ride transit (SR 2607) from Alameda, California to Seward, Alaska will come very close to our desired deployment locations, which are listed in the survey plan. Relatively small course deviations will permit valuable scientific observations to be made at minimal incremental costs and time. We will recover the wave gliders some 60-90 days later with other marine assessments. No consequential impact is expected on the loading or unloading time, during the normal course of logistics for the transit cruise.