Celebrating 20 years of Glider Science and Operations

October 27, 2023

On October 28, 2003, the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) deployed Slocum Glider RU03 from the Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS) in Tuckerton, NJ on Rutgers first underwater glider mission across the New Jersey continental shelf.  The transect would come to be known as the Tuckerton Endurance Line.

Since that first deployment 20 years ago, RUCOOL has conducted over 650 Glider missions, has flown underwater over 340,000 km (over 8 times around the world) and has has been at sea for over 17,700 days (nearly 50 years).  Glider missions have taken Rutgers scientists, researchers and students to all 7 ocean basins and both polar seas. Up to date statistics can be found here.

Congratulations to all of RUCOOL for making the Jersey Roots, Global Reach slogan a reality.