Global Ocean Observing System
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| Global Ocean Observing System | |
|---|---|
| Name | Global Ocean Observing System |
| Formation | 1991 |
| Parent organization | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
Global Ocean Observing System is an international coordinating framework for sustained ocean observation that integrates measurements from satellites, ships, buoys, autonomous vehicles, and coastal stations to monitor marine ecosystems, climate change, and hazards. It supports operational services and scientific research by linking observing platforms with data systems and applications across institutions such as the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Group on Earth Observations. The system informs major programs and agreements including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Overview
The program coordinates a global, sustained network that spans regional programs like the European Marine Observation and Data Network, the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, and the Asia-Pacific Regional Ocean Observing System, while aligning with global initiatives such as the Global Climate Observing System and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Regional Alliances. It emphasizes interoperability among observing assets operated by institutions including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, CSIRO, and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The system's remit intersects with projects like Argo (oceanography), Tropical Atmosphere Ocean project, Global Sea Level Observing System, and observational networks steered by the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research.
History and development
The initiative traces roots to collaborative efforts following reports from the World Climate Conference (1979), the founding of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in 1960, and the evolution of programs such as the Global Ocean Observing System launched in 1991 to implement recommendations from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992). Milestones include integration of the Argo program in the 2000s, coordination with satellite missions like TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1, and Sentinel-3, and strategic alignment with the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Key institutional actors included the International Council for Science, the Group on Earth Observations, and national agencies such as the British Antarctic Survey, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Components and observing networks
Observing platforms comprise in situ arrays and remote sensing. In situ networks include the Argo (oceanography) float array, the Global Drifter Program, TAO/TRITON array, the Deep Argo initiative, and the OceanSITES mooring network; contributions come from organizations like NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and Ifremer. Remote sensing relies on satellite missions by European Space Agency, NASA, and Indian Space Research Organisation such as MODIS, Aqua (satellite), CryoSat, and SAR platforms. Coastal observing systems encompass programs like Regional Ocean Observing Systems (ROOS), Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), EuroGOOS, and the Mediterranean Operational Oceanography Network (MOON). Autonomous platforms include gliders from Liquid Robotics, autonomous surface vehicles developed by MBARI, and under-ice profilers used by British Antarctic Survey and Norwegian Polar Institute.
Data management and products
Data stewardship follows principles from the Open Geospatial Consortium and the World Data System, using standards from ISO 19115, CF (Climate and Forecast) metadata convention, and protocols developed by the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology partners. Data flows into archives such as the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project, the European Marine Observation and Data Network portals, and national repositories like NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information and the UK Met Office archives. Products include operational sea surface temperature analyses, sea level rise datasets, ocean reanalyses by centers like the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, seasonal El Niño–Southern Oscillation forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and hazards products used by the International Tsunami Information Center.
Applications and societal benefits
Observations support services in sectors tied to international agreements and agencies including the International Maritime Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization. Applications include improved weather forecasting by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, climate monitoring for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, fisheries management informed by the Food and Agriculture Organization and regional fisheries bodies, and coastal risk assessment used by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Public goods produced include long-term climate records utilized in IPCC Sixth Assessment Report chapters, operational maritime safety services coordinated with International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, and ecosystem status indicators for programs like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Governance and partnerships
Governance involves the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission coordinating with multilateral partners such as the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the International Council for Science. Regional alliances include EuroGOOS, PIRATA contributors, and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization. Funding and implementation draw on national agencies including NOAA, NASA, European Commission, DFID, National Research Foundation (South Africa), and philanthropic entities like the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Scientific partnerships link to institutions such as Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, and networks like the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research.
Challenges and future directions
Challenges include sustaining long-term financing seen in discussions at United Nations Oceans Conference (2017), addressing data gaps highlighted by IPCC assessments, expanding observing capacity in the Southern Ocean and Arctic as emphasized by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, and integrating novel technologies promoted by entities like DARPA and the European Marine Board. Future directions emphasize interoperability with the Group on Earth Observations, enhanced biodiversity observation linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity, stronger disaster resilience interfaces with the Sendai Framework, and contributions to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Continuous collaboration among universities such as University of Tokyo, University of Cape Town, University of British Columbia, and agencies including NOAA and ESA will be essential to meet scientific and societal needs.