Periodic Reporting for period 2 - GEORGE (Next generation multiplatform Ocean observing technologies for research infrastructures)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
Ocean observing research infrastructures (RIs) in Europe (i.e. ICOS, EMSO, Euro-Argo) have successfully implemented a world-leading system of standardised Ocean observations over the past 15 years building on more of a century of experiences by the involved marine institutes. This community has joined forces in the GEORGE project proposal to take them to the next level of technology: systematic long-term autonomous observations. GEORGE aims to develop and demonstrate a state-of-the-art biogeochemical, multi-platform observing system operated across ERICs that can carry out integrated biogeochemical observations for characterisation of the Ocean carbon system. Large improvements in oceanic observations are necessary to deliver a fit-for-purpose observing system capable of real-time estimates of the uptake of carbon by all relevant parts of the ocean. This includes the deep sea and coastal zone and will in turn support better decision-making relevant to both climate (the scale and timing of mitigation and adaptation measures) and food production (the scale and location of aquaculture). The challenges include developing better technologies and improving network organisation and standardisation. Advances will provide more consistent data streams with greater accessibility to support and improve the related science and assessment associated with the state and variability of the oceans. The main aim of the GEORGE project is to develop and demonstrate a state-of-the-art biogeochemical, multi-platform observing system operated across ERICs that can carry out integrated biogeochemical observations for characterisation of the ocean carbon system. One of the project's principal aims is to advance the technology readiness level of state-of-the-art sensors, enabling for the first time systematic autonomous, in situ, seawater CO2 system characterisation and determination of CO2 fluxes on moving and fixed platforms. Together with sensor manufacturers, GEORGE will optimise sensor technologies for measurements on platforms operated by ERICs and according to their operational requirements. Technology will be co-developed between industry and ERICs ensuring a direct route to market and potential for scalability. The technologies will be validated according to a rigorous TRL progression engineering process and demonstrated at sea as an integrated multi-platform observing system during several field campaigns where ERICs are active.
The Main Objectives:
1. To enable high-quality ocean carbon observations from the surface to the seafloor
2. To facilitate enhanced resolution, coverage, and continuity of marine observations
3. To integrate and streamline ocean carbon observations across European marine RIs
4. To train professionals engaging in marine observation
5. To engage with European SMEs through co-development and evaluation of technologies
6. To demonstrate an integrated observing system at sea operated by the three ERICs
7. To incorporate the project results in the international ocean observing systems, databases, and initiatives.
The Main Objectives:
1. To enable high-quality ocean carbon observations from the surface to the seafloor
2. To facilitate enhanced resolution, coverage, and continuity of marine observations
3. To integrate and streamline ocean carbon observations across European marine RIs
4. To train professionals engaging in marine observation
5. To engage with European SMEs through co-development and evaluation of technologies
6. To demonstrate an integrated observing system at sea operated by the three ERICs
7. To incorporate the project results in the international ocean observing systems, databases, and initiatives.
GEORGE will enhance the observing capability of ERICs and their effectiveness in monitoring ocean biogeochemistry and carbon cycling by: a) advancing the technology readiness level of state-of-the-art sensors (WP2), b) enhancing the observing capability of autonomous platforms (WP3) equipping them with the latest sensor technology and developing communication from and between platforms and by incorporating novel autonomous vehicles to the ERIC observing fleet, c) harmonising technologies, methods and SOPs for biogeochemical observing and develop a framework for multi-platform, cross-ERIC biogeochemical observing from sensor to data repositories (WP4), d) building capacity in ERICs by providing training in the use of new technologies and SOPs on data handling and reporting to staff and member organisations (WP6), and e) facilitating cooperation between industry and ERICs ensuring direct route to market and potential for scalability (eg. WPs 2,3,7) of new technologies.
Significant progress was made across all key objectives. Novel sensors for DIC and TA were produced, calibrated, optimised and tested at full ocean depth (6000m). Sensors were deployed both on gliders and landers. The Capasos system (Calibrated pCO2 in Air and Surface Ocean Sensor) was integrated in an unmanned, autonomous surface vehicle Sailbuoy. Commercial off-the-shelf technologies were further developed and upgraded, i.e. Clear Water Sensors redesigns improved reagent cartridge robustness in harsher conditions and improvements in build quality and measurement quality of the sensors. 4H-Jena produced two autonomous sensors (HydroC® CO2 for 6000 m depth and HydroC® CH4 for 6000 m depth) to characterise the potential pressure and temperature influence on measurement quality, response time and detection limit.
GEORGE advanced in"greening" of Research Infrastructures as it facilitated a joint action between IFREMER and Euro-Argo ERIC to do the 1st global Argo recovery operation ever conducted using a low-carbon approach. The main achievement was the recovery of 10 Argo floats in the North Atlantic in June 2024.
Organisation of Technological Forums to share expertise among the RI technicians and station PIs started at the 1st Technological Forum. There will be three different Technologial forums. They will be made available via a massive Open Online Course platform open to all. The introductory part of this platform was opened during the 2nd reporting period.
Significant progress was made across all key objectives. Novel sensors for DIC and TA were produced, calibrated, optimised and tested at full ocean depth (6000m). Sensors were deployed both on gliders and landers. The Capasos system (Calibrated pCO2 in Air and Surface Ocean Sensor) was integrated in an unmanned, autonomous surface vehicle Sailbuoy. Commercial off-the-shelf technologies were further developed and upgraded, i.e. Clear Water Sensors redesigns improved reagent cartridge robustness in harsher conditions and improvements in build quality and measurement quality of the sensors. 4H-Jena produced two autonomous sensors (HydroC® CO2 for 6000 m depth and HydroC® CH4 for 6000 m depth) to characterise the potential pressure and temperature influence on measurement quality, response time and detection limit.
GEORGE advanced in"greening" of Research Infrastructures as it facilitated a joint action between IFREMER and Euro-Argo ERIC to do the 1st global Argo recovery operation ever conducted using a low-carbon approach. The main achievement was the recovery of 10 Argo floats in the North Atlantic in June 2024.
Organisation of Technological Forums to share expertise among the RI technicians and station PIs started at the 1st Technological Forum. There will be three different Technologial forums. They will be made available via a massive Open Online Course platform open to all. The introductory part of this platform was opened during the 2nd reporting period.
We wait the metrics from the scientific community to indicate which results are beyond the state of art. Detailed progress is explained in the project Technical Report part B.