FY 2011 Towards an integrated global observing system: In-situ observations Send, U., P. Burkill, N. Gruber, G.C. Johnson, A. Körtzinger, T. Koslow, R. O’Dor, S. Rintoul, and D. Roemmich doi: 10.5270/OceanObs09.pp.35, In Proceedings of the "OceanObs'09: Sustained Ocean Observations and Information for Society" Conference (Vol. 2), Venice, Italy, 21–25 September 2009, Hall, J., D.E. Harrison, and D. Stammer, Eds., ESA Publication WPP-306 (2010) The research and operational community represented at the OceanObs’09 conference has stated clearly that the future global ocean observing system must focus on applications that society cares about. This necessitates expanding the current system to include biogeochemical and ecosystem observations. There was also an unambiguous message that various gaps in the system need to be closed – in terms of technology, sampling, and geographical coverage. Closer integration is needed to exploit synergies between platforms and communities, and to provide seamless data access across all components. Capacity building and training the next generation of ocean observers is another area requiring work and funding. This paper argues that an efficient way forward is to (1) maintain the existing system, (2) close gaps, especially geographic ones, and (3) enhance Argo, OceanSITES, and VOS to serve and be jointly operated with the biogeochemistry and ecosystem communities. Feature Publications | Outstanding Scientific Publications Contact Sandra Bigley | Help
