Without the ability to reliably communicate between the remote field station and a computing facility, model governed field experiments become impractical to execute if the computational requirements cannot be met at the field station. In this supplement, we are asking for support to provide a T1 connection to the field station and communication between the field station and deployed instruments, so that the site can be monitored remotely. This field station is equipped with a basic laboratory facility and residence quarters that are used to logistically support field experiments, prepare experimental equipment for deployment in the field and process field samples. Since the majority of experimental work conducted under the auspices of the PIE LTER project is conducted at Plum Island Estuary, the field station is an integral component of the project. Typically, investigators conduct experiments that last usually no less than one week and often extend into several months.
Investigators usually reside at the field station for the duration of their experimental study.
Although the field station laboratory is well equipped to conduct complex experiments of significant duration, the station lacks all but the most rudimentary communication infrastructure. Currently, the station has a standard phone line and maintains a 386 PC equipped with a 2400 bps modem that is used to communicate with a investigator s home institution. This lack of connectivity has made it difficult for researchers to stay in-touch with their home institution and has made it impossible for remote model development. The lack of any type of server and network at the field station has made it difficult to post process field observations. Some of the deployed instruments generate tens of Mbytes of data that need to be processed by more than one individual.