HOBO Conductivity Logger in Fjord Research in Patagonia

In March 2024, researcher Sebastien Bertrand acquired the HOBO Conductivity Logger U24-002-C via Pedak meettechniek for his project under the supervision of Prof. Marc De Batist, Professor of Marine and Sedimentary Geology at Ghent University, Department of Geology.

The instrument was installed shortly afterward in a fjord in southern Patagonia, where it has since been continuously measuring conductivity. The measurements aim to monitor seasonal changes in salinity in a brackish fjord, enabling the calibration of geochemical data obtained from mollusk shells. This work is part of a broader project focusing on how changes in fjord salinity during the Holocene influenced human occupation in southernmost Patagonia.

Research objective

The project investigates how natural variations in salinity within fjord systems affected both the marine environment and human settlement patterns in southern Patagonia. By combining seasonal conductivity measurements with geochemical and archaeological analyses, the researchers aim to better understand how environmental factors shaped living conditions and human adaptation in this region throughout the Holocene.

Use of the HOBO Conductivity Logger

The HOBO U24-002-C is a compact and durable data logger designed for long-term monitoring of conductivity and temperature in natural waters. It measures conductivity in a range of 100 to 55,000 µS/cm, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments.

The logger was deployed in April 2024 and is expected to remain operational until January 2026, when the research team will recover the instrument and analyze the recorded data. Its robust design and low power consumption make it ideal for long-term deployments under demanding environmental conditions, such as fjords with fluctuating salinity and temperature levels.

Follow-up and documentation

Upon recovery of the logger in 2026, the research team will collect additional imagery and data. These will provide valuable insights into the logger’s performance under prolonged field conditions and contribute to the project’s scientific analysis. GoPro images from the original installation are also available and will be part of the project documentation.

Scientific significance

This research demonstrates how reliable measurement instruments such as the HOBO Conductivity Logger can support interdisciplinary studies combining geochemistry, geology, and archaeology. Long-term conductivity monitoring enables scientists to better understand the interplay between climate variability, water quality, and human occupation in southernmost Patagonia.

Pedak meettechniek

Pedak meettechniek supplies the HOBO Conductivity Logger and supports research institutions in applying accurate measurement solutions for environmental and scientific monitoring.

We would like to thank Prof. Marc De Batist and researcher Sebastien Bertrand for their contribution and look forward to the results of this remarkable project.