Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Observing Network
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| Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Observing Network | |
|---|---|
| Name | Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Observing Network |
| Abbrev | GO-BGC |
| Formation | 2000s |
| Type | International scientific observing network |
| Purpose | Ocean biogeochemistry observing and data coordination |
| Headquarters | Distributed (international) |
| Region served | Global oceans |
| Parent organization | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO |
Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Observing Network is an international observing partnership coordinating ocean biogeochemical measurements to support climate science, ecosystem assessment, and policy. The network links observing platforms, data systems, and research programs to provide sustained observations for synthesis by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and World Meteorological Organization-related activities. It supports interdisciplinary initiatives led by organizations such as the Global Ocean Observing System, International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and regional programs under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reporting processes.
Overview and Mission
The mission is to deliver sustained, quality-controlled observations of ocean carbon, nutrient cycles, oxygen, and related biogeochemical variables to inform the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, United Nations Environment Programme, and national agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and European Commission. Objective-driven goals align with the Global Climate Observing System, Group on Earth Observations, and the Sustainable Development Goals as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly and coordinated with the World Bank for capacity funding. GO-BGC emphasizes interoperability among networks such as the Argo program, the Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP), and the OceanSITES network to meet requirements expressed by panels including the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research and Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
Governance and Organizational Structure
Governance is provided through partnerships among bodies including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, International Council for Science (now part of the International Science Council), and regional entities such as the North Pacific Marine Science Organization and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Advisory roles involve expert groups from the World Climate Research Programme, the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project, and national agencies exemplified by National Aeronautics and Space Administration, British Antarctic Survey, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Decision-making integrates contributions from programs like Future Earth and panels including the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.
Observing Infrastructure and Technologies
Observations rely on a mix of platforms: autonomous floats from Argo, biogeochemical sensors deployed by Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas contributors, shipboard surveys from GO-SHIP, and fixed moorings akin to OceanSITES. Technologies include underway pCO2 systems developed by research groups at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, optical oxygen sensors used by Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and satellite remote sensing from missions such as Sentinel-3, MODIS, and Jason. Emerging approaches integrate gliders championed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, autonomous surface vehicles supported by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and molecular assays promoted by W.K. Kellogg Biological Station-affiliated labs for plankton community analysis.
Data Management and Products
Data stewardship follows FAIR principles endorsed by Group on Earth Observations and repositories like the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE). Core products include gridded pCO2 climatologies used by the Global Carbon Project, oxygen and nutrient time series contributing to GEOTRACES, and synthesis datasets used in reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Interoperability is achieved through standards from World Meteorological Organization and data portals such as those developed by European Marine Observation and Data Network and the National Centers for Environmental Information. Quality control procedures align with protocols from International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites.
Scientific Programs and Research Themes
Research themes span ocean carbon uptake for the Global Carbon Project, deoxygenation studies informing the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, nutrient cycling and eutrophication addressed alongside Harmful Algal Bloom research, and ocean acidification monitored for UN Sustainable Development Goal 14. Programs coordinate with field campaigns like GEOTRACES, long-term observing sections from World Ocean Circulation Experiment, and regional studies led by institutions such as Institute of Marine Research and Alfred Wegener Institute. The network supports modeling efforts integrated into Coupled Model Intercomparison Project exercises and observational constraints used by the PICES community.
Partnerships and Capacity Building
GO-BGC maintains partnerships with intergovernmental organizations including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and finance partners such as Global Environment Facility for capacity development. Training and technology transfer occur through collaborations with universities like University of British Columbia, University of Cape Town, and research centers such as Marine Biological Laboratory to build regional observing capabilities. Regional capacity efforts coordinate with initiatives like the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization to expand sensor deployment and data management in low- and middle-income countries.
Impacts, Applications, and Future Directions
Observations have informed policy instruments including the Paris Agreement reporting on carbon budgets and supported ecosystem assessments like those produced for the Convention on Biological Diversity. Applications include fisheries management inputs to the Food and Agriculture Organization, coastal management tools used by European Commission directorates, and climate services provided via the Copernicus Programme. Future directions emphasize integration with satellite missions such as Sentinel-6, expansion of biogeochemical Argo floats, and tighter linkage with modeling centers like National Center for Atmospheric Research and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts to provide near-real-time products for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and national stakeholders.