Weekly Photo Showcase: Minuscule Mayhem - March Bracket Chaos (under the microscope)
In the current spring season, a plankton bloom occurred, and researchers were able to capture stunning images of the tiny ocean organisms thanks to the Scripps Plankton Camera System (SPCS). This advanced in situ optical imaging platform is revolutionising oceanographic research, offering a significant evolution from traditional sampling methods.
Developed to observe and analyse plankton and particulate organic matter in the ocean environment, the SPCS employs a calibrated optical setup with neutral density filters to control light exposure, coupled with specialized image preprocessing and quality enhancement algorithms. Machine learning is used to filter out poor-quality images, while the system facilitates particle reconstruction at variable sensitivity thresholds to optimise plankton detection and characterisation.
Maintaining a stable and clear field of view is crucial but challenging due to environmental factors such as water turbulence, particulate matter density, and optical distortions like schlieren. The system addresses these issues via machine learning algorithms specifically designed to identify and exclude affected images, as well as through calibration of optical filters and adjustments for ambient light variations.
During the March bloom, the SPC captured images of chain-forming diatoms. These images, along with others from the bloom, are part of the Photo of the Week 2016 gallery. Research Oceanographer Jules Jaffe shared the images, highlighting the beauty and importance of these key elements of the marine ecosystem.
The SPC is a prototype automated microscope mounted underwater at the end of Scripps Pier. It operates in dynamic ocean conditions, necessitating continuous adjustments and careful protocol implementation to maintain data integrity over long deployments. The latest version of the SPC was funded by an anonymous donation.
For more details about the development of the system and the ongoing challenge of keeping fish and other obstacles out of the field of view, visit the SPC website. The SPC's continuous record of plankton in the area can help researchers monitor changes in the marine ecosystem, contributing to a better understanding of plankton blooms and the role they play in our oceans.
- The development of the Scripps Plankton Camera System (SPCS) marks a significant advancement in the fusion of science, health-and-wellness (marine ecosystem), and technology, revolutionising oceanographic research with its calibrated optical setup.
- Machine learning, a constituent of technology, aids the SPCS in filtering out poor-quality images, allowing for more accurate plankton detection and characterisation, thereby contributing to the health-and-wellness of our oceans.
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