Research complex for surf zone analysis

The article presents the results of the development of research complexes moving along the bottom of coastal territories for purpose of comprehensive analysis of wave dynamics in the surf and shelf zones, ecological monitoring, state of ecosystems and anthropogenic pressure on nature in these areas. Monitoring of the seabed environment in the shelf and the surf zone was always complex challenge for scientists and researchers. Movement in the coastal zone has features not peculiar to other places both water areas and land. With all variety of functional capabilities of modern robotic systems, the possibilities of their application in the context of the research of coastal zones are severely limited. The research of the characteristics of the coastal zone using aircraft is limited by the conditions of flight safety and can be extended only to wave dynamics and bathymetry. The use of floating robotic systems for ecological monitoring and research of ecosystems of the water area is possible with a relatively "soft" wave climate in the coastal zone. The data obtained at direct movement in shallow waters are extremely important and allow us to estimate the specific coastal environment, including wave dynamics in the surf areas and the overall ecological situation. For these purposes the special piloted amphibians, such as remotely controlled vehicle Surf Rover, mobile system MARC-1 were developed. A remotely controlled mobile complex equipped with a video inspection system and a hydrostatic wave-scanner with string sensors installed on the stationary supports of the body was developed by specialists of NNSTU n.a. R.E. Alekseev. Navigation equipment for the possibility of making corrections to the measured data is installed to monitor the position of the mobile complex. Feature of the developed chassis is the possibility of changing its geometrical parameters that allows increasing its resistance to destructive waves of the surf zone and mobility. With the support of the Special Research Bureau for Automation of Marine Researches (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) there was organized the expedition, participation in which provided the necessary for the analysis of sea waves in the coastal zone.