The "Acqua Alta" research tower consists of a platform containing an instrument house, supported by

a steel pipe structure, similar to that of an oil well derrick. The pipe structure is hammered 22 m into

the bottom through each of its four hollow legs. Energy is supplied at 125, 220, 380 VAC (50 Hz –remote activation), along with continuous voltage 12 and 24 VDC. The tower can host two technicians

and three scientists for several days and allows specific dedicated campaigns and long-term

measurements. A broadband wireless communication system between the tower and the operating

Institute allows 10 Mb/s data communication rate and real time data availability. The bridge allows

the tower to be part of the Institute LAN so all the scientists on board can access internet and

potentially the instruments could be controlled remotely.

Measurements routinely acquired with periodic sampling concern biology, chemistry, physical

oceanography. Autonomous instrumentations cover atmospheric and hydrological parameters with a

series of meteorological stations and oceanographic instruments. A direct view of the sea condition

around the tower is available continuously by the three high resolution webcams installed on the roof.

Two underwater webcams are installed at -3 and -12 m to observe biological populations and to

monitor potentially critical phenomena such as jellyfish swarms and mucilaginous macro aggregates.

Given the high level of security and wide desk space, sophisticated instruments can be hosted on

board reducing drastically the risk of loss (when not in service the tower is locked and a video

surveillance is active). The good level of logistic support allows the setup of in situ experiments.