Background
MBARI's research platforms provide ocean research instruments with resources such as power, data storage, and a means of sending data to shore, allowing ongoing observations to be made and recorded in near real time. These platforms must also be robust and reliable to survive the corrosive salt water environment. Our various platforms must also collect data, sometimes for months or years, in remote locations under hostile conditions of crushing pressure and extreme temperatures. In addition, these platforms may be subjected to damage from natural and man-made hazards, ranging from pressure and temperature extremes to storms, ships, and vandalism.
In the future, MBARI's research platforms will continue to increase in scope and coverage. Current visions include expanding our capabilities with fleets of robots capable of operation with minimal human involvement. These systems may draw power and communicate through networks of subsea cables and deep-water moorings. Such platforms and advanced instrumentation will work together to provide unique capabilities and overcome previous barriers in oceanographic science.
Ocean Observing Activities | Back to top
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BATS & HOT DOGSThis activity allows students, working individually or in small groups, to retrieve information from pre-assigned web sites, retrieve real-time data to compare nitrate and phosphate concentrations at two open ocean monitoring sites, and construct an Excel graph using data from two different sites. |
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Ocean ObservationThis activity will help familiarize student with methods scientists use to study the ocean floor, and will encourage them to pose and investigate their own questions about the ocean. |
Ocean Observing in the news | Back to top
Oceanus (WHOI): (07/23/08)
Revealing the Ocean's Invisible Abundance
Nature (PBS): (06/11/08)
The Beauty of Ugly—Interview with Dr. Edith Widder
Science News for Kids: (12/12/07)
Eyes on the Depths
Science Daily: (04/20/07)
Marine Geophysicists Probe Sea Floor
Science Daily: (04/17/07)
Researchers Setting Up Observatories To Examine Changes Under The Arctic Ice
NOAA Magazine: (04/16/07)
March temperatures second warmest on record for U.S.;
global march temperature fifth warmest on record
NOAA Magazine: (03/28/07)
NOAA national marine fisheries service launches web site for tracking and verifying dolphin-safe tuna products
Ocean Observing Resources | Back to top
- Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI)
Focuses on the science, technology, education and outreach of an emerging network of science driven ocean observing systems.
- U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
National office for integrated and sustaineed ocean observations that includes eleven regional centers. - Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
A permanent global system for observations, modelling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide.
- Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS)
Delivering information to solve problems, predict events and better understand the Gulf of Maine.
- Pacific Coast Ocean Observing System (PaCOOS)
Providing ocean information for the sustained use of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem under a changing climate. - CORMP—Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program
- Cape Fear River Basin Monitoring Coalition's Water Quality Data
- Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Monitoring Project (ModMon)
- North Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing System (NCCOOS)
- Carolinas RCOOS—Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System
- Army Corps of Engineers—Field Research Facility
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