Gliding Below the Sea Surface

Slocum Glider below the Sea Surface

The deep Slocum Glider “WILLY” is seen just below the sea surface as starts to dive. WILLY is performing a series of tests, diving in steps from the surface all the way down to 600-1000m in order to pressure-test the hull. This is an experiment performed by the TMOOS department in IMEDEA.

Small jellyfish called Velella velella are seen at the surface around the glider. They are free-floating Hydrozoans that live on the surface of the open ocean and feed on phytoplankton. They are typically found in very large numbers but are harmless to humans.

IMEDEA: Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados
TMOOS: Tecnologías Marinas, Oceanografía Operacional y Sostenibilidad.
Location: North Coast of Mallorca, Spain