Lesson 1: Introduction to the SmartQAMUTIK
In this lesson, the learner will be introduced to the main parts of the SmartQAMUTIK and how it monitors sea-ice thickness.
What is the SmartQAMUTIK?
The SmartQAMUTIK is a tool of the SmartICE system. It is a sensor that measures and records sea-ice thickness as it is pulled behind a snowmobile on an ice sled, or qamutik.
The SmartQAMUTIK system is made up of:
EM-31 sensor (blue box with white antenna) that is protected by a wooden crate and mounted on a qamutik.
Toughpad inside a rugged white plastic console and mounted on the snowmobile.
SmartICE computer software (SQ Logger) that runs on the Toughpad and allows the operator to manage the system.
Power and data cables that connect the EM-31 to the Toughpad.
The SmartQAMUTIK system is powered by the snowmobile.
Parts of the SmartQAMUTIK system:
- EM-31 Crate with EM-31 sensor inside
- Toughpad in console running SQ Logger software
- Cables connecting EM-31 to Toughpad and power source
How does the SmartQAMUTIK work?
The SmartQAMUTIK system measures sea-ice thickness by determining the distance between the sensor (the EM-31) and the place where the bottom of the sea-ice meets the ocean. By knowing how far the sensor is from the bottom of the sea-ice, the sea-ice thickness can be calculated.
To sense the top of the ocean, the EM-31 emits an electromagnetic field that, because the ocean is saline (salty) and conductive (can conduct electricity), causes a secondary field to be created in the ocean that will get picked up by the sensor on the SmartQAMUTIK. The closer the bottom of the sea-ice is to the sensor, the stronger the signal will be meaning the sea-ice is thinner. The further the bottom is from the sensor, the weaker the signal will be meaning the sea-ice is thicker.
EM-31 sends a signal that, because seawater is salty, results in a signal being sent back. The stronger the return signal is, the thinner the sea ice.