A typical tsunami DART bottom package mooring consists of a Bottom Pressure Recorder, an acoustic modem, acoustic release unit and battery pack bolted to a platform, to which a disposable anchor, flotation, and recovery aids are attached.
Moorings are designed to free-fall to the bottom and are deployable for 24 months at depths of 6000 m; recovery is initiated by triggering the acoustic release to separate from the anchor, at which point the flotation brings the unit to the surface.