Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory

Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory is a federal research laboratory within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration dedicated to conducting scientific research on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Its mission encompasses understanding ocean-atmosphere interactions, hurricane dynamics, coral reef ecosystems, and climate variability to improve environmental forecasts and stewardship. The laboratory's work supports the mandates of NOAA Research and informs policy for agencies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

History and mission

The laboratory was established in 1970, consolidating several pre-existing marine research entities following the creation of NOAA under the United States Department of Commerce. Its foundational work built upon earlier oceanographic expeditions, including those by the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and was influenced by the growing national focus on environmental science exemplified by the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency. The core mission is to advance understanding of the oceanic and atmospheric processes that influence weather, climate, coasts, and ecosystems in the Atlantic region. This research directly supports NOAA's goals of providing actionable scientific information for the protection of life and property, fostering resilient coastal communities, and sustaining healthy marine environments.

Research programs

Key research divisions focus on hurricane research, utilizing instruments like the GPS dropsonde deployed from NOAA aircraft such as the Lockheed WP-3D Orion to improve intensity forecasting. The Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division studies issues like ocean acidification and the health of the Florida Reef Tract, often collaborating with the University of Miami and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Physical Oceanography Division investigates ocean currents like the Gulf Stream and processes such as meridional overturning circulation, critical for climate modeling. Additional programs monitor harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico and develop advanced ocean observing systems, contributing data to global networks like the Argo program.

Key facilities and vessels

The laboratory is headquartered at the NOAA campus on Virginia Key in Miami, colocated with the Southeast Fisheries Science Center and near the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This location provides direct access to the waters of the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Primary research vessels include the NOAS Ship Ronald H. Brown and the NOAS Ship Nancy Foster, which conduct extended oceanographic cruises. The facility also houses specialized laboratories for satellite oceanography, aerosol research, and coral ecophysiology. The Hurricane Research Division operates from the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center located at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Significant discoveries and contributions

Scientists have made pivotal contributions to hurricane forecasting, including developing the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme and identifying the role of Saharan Air Layer in storm modulation. Research voyages have extensively mapped the dynamics of the Gulf Stream and its influence on North Atlantic climate. The laboratory played a key role in documenting widespread coral bleaching events and advancing the understanding of nutrient pollution impacts on coastal ecosystems. Its data and models are integral to major assessment reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and inform management decisions by the National Park Service and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Organizational structure and leadership

The laboratory is a component of NOAA Research, specifically under the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research line office. It is led by a Director, a position historically held by notable oceanographers and climate scientists. Research is organized into interdisciplinary divisions, each led by a division chief, focusing on hurricanes, physical oceanography, ocean chemistry, and ecosystems. The laboratory maintains formal cooperative agreements and joint institutes with academic partners, including the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies at the University of Miami. It works closely with other NOAA offices, such as the National Weather Service and the National Ocean Service, to transition research into operational applications.

Category:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category:Oceanographic organizations Category:Scientific organizations based in the United States