Scientific Results

Results from the experiences of several years demonstrate the functionality and applicability of autonomous monitoring systems on ships of opportunity (FerryBox). Recent measurements show that continuous chemical-biological data from the ferry route across the North Sea will provide scientists and monitoring authorities with information on the eutrophication status and enhance the existing knowledge on nutrient and plankton dynamics.
The possibilities of the combination of FerryBox data with remote sensing measurements and models in order to enhance the information from one transect to a larger area are shown.

In order to compare either satellite pictures with FerryBox data which were recorded at different times (the "satellite passes" do not always match the ship cruises) or to compare FerryBox data with data from buoys that are located in some distance from the ship track numerical models are used that "correct" the data according to (tidal) water movements.