Sustained ocean observations in the Global Ocean Observing System: societal and scientific importance and and challenges for long-term operations
ORAL · Invited
Abstract
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is the international network of sustained ocean observation programs that provide long-term, accurate, public data sets that are critical for a wide range of applications. Over many years, GOOS has developed a clearly defined set of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), and their required accuracies and sampling strategies, that are fundamental to documenting physical, chemical and biological ocean processes on time scales from weeks to centuries.
The two GOOS networks that provide global interior ocean coverage are highlighted: OneArgo and GO-SHIP (Global Ocean Ship-Based Hydrographic Investigations Program).
OneArgo plays a central role in tracking and predicting sea level change, ocean heat and carbon content, acidification and deoxygenation, through frequent autonomous profiling throughout the ocean basins. For more than 20 years, Argo has provided global coverage of temperature and salinity, which has become essential to ocean, climate and weather forecasting services. Expansion over the last 10 years to global BGC sensor coverage is already transforming ocean biogeochemical and ecosystem state evaluation and forecasting.
GO-SHIP ship-based data are the global source of information about deep ocean warming and biogeochemical change. Data are collected along transects of the ocean basins, from the ocean surface to ocean bottom, on approximately decadal time scales. GO-SHIP’s global, highest-accuracy, multi-parameter, full water column measurements complement and serve as a reference for other ship measurements, profiling floats and other autonomous systems, including OneArgo.
OneArgo and GO-SHIP provide reliable, public and easily accessible data, similar to atmospheric data that are also collected in a sustained manner. Both networks have essential evolution of technology. Both rely on personnel who have strong commitment to maintaining the continuity and excellence of the observations.
International observing systems face major challenges with sustaining funding. The US provides about 50% of the global effort in OneArgo and GO-SHIP, which means that continuity of US funding is essential for their health. Potential impacts of funding deficits on the essential products of these observing systems will be discussed.
The two GOOS networks that provide global interior ocean coverage are highlighted: OneArgo and GO-SHIP (Global Ocean Ship-Based Hydrographic Investigations Program).
OneArgo plays a central role in tracking and predicting sea level change, ocean heat and carbon content, acidification and deoxygenation, through frequent autonomous profiling throughout the ocean basins. For more than 20 years, Argo has provided global coverage of temperature and salinity, which has become essential to ocean, climate and weather forecasting services. Expansion over the last 10 years to global BGC sensor coverage is already transforming ocean biogeochemical and ecosystem state evaluation and forecasting.
GO-SHIP ship-based data are the global source of information about deep ocean warming and biogeochemical change. Data are collected along transects of the ocean basins, from the ocean surface to ocean bottom, on approximately decadal time scales. GO-SHIP’s global, highest-accuracy, multi-parameter, full water column measurements complement and serve as a reference for other ship measurements, profiling floats and other autonomous systems, including OneArgo.
OneArgo and GO-SHIP provide reliable, public and easily accessible data, similar to atmospheric data that are also collected in a sustained manner. Both networks have essential evolution of technology. Both rely on personnel who have strong commitment to maintaining the continuity and excellence of the observations.
International observing systems face major challenges with sustaining funding. The US provides about 50% of the global effort in OneArgo and GO-SHIP, which means that continuity of US funding is essential for their health. Potential impacts of funding deficits on the essential products of these observing systems will be discussed.
*NSF and NOAA
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Presenters
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Lynne Talley
- UCSD