Europe pioneering global ocean observing systems
The ocean is a key component in climate and global change research due to its enormous capacity to store and release climate relevant compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). On the other hand, it presents an apparent physical and biogeochemical sensitivity to natural and human induced changes. Hence, the focus of the ocean research has been set on change and variability, and the predictability thereof. In this direction, all research and applied efforts for detecting and predicting changes in the ocean or are affected by the ocean, require an integrated network of sustained and multidisciplinary observations. Work on the implementation of various elements of the required observing systems was initiated within the ANIMATE project. This research item included in the European Environment and Sustainable Development programme aimed to fill gaps in capacity of existing observations systems and to ensure data is collected in coordinated manner with long-term perspective. Existing infrastructure was replaced by autonomous and state-of-the-art moored equipment in key locations for carbon system, ESTOC near the Canary Islands, PAP (Porcupine Abbyssal Plain) west of Ireland, and CIS (Central Irminger Sea). The stations will carry out multivariate and multidisciplinary observations of ocean carbon cycle variability and processes over extended periods of time. Much of these timeseries data will be provided via satellite in near real time. The design of the infrastructure enhancement has resulted from coordination with the implementation planning of a global ocean observing system in two international working groups. The Ocean SITES project and the International Ocean Carbon. Coordination Project promote the development of a global network of ocean observatories for research through technical coordination and communication services. The present network will provide the first elements of an ocean carbon observing system in the eastern North Atlantic to be put in place, establishing European leadership in the implementation process. Further ocean observatory initiatives in the North Atlantic would thus focus on complementing and enhancing the infrastructure started in Europe. The consortium will welcome and support additions to the existing infrastructure, either by joining the consortium or by initiating separate research programmes with similar requirements.
