Ocean Observing Systems

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. This course investigates the rationale behind ocean observing systems by familiarizing students with the relevant social, scientific design, technology and policy issues associated with observing system technologies. You will explore the technical capabilities and live data streams of the most common ocean observing platforms in service globally and in US waters. You will also consider the role of government agencies, private industry and academic institutions in sustaining and integrating useful ocean observing products and services into the everyday lives of the general public and decision makers. As an upper-level course, students will be given the opportunity to explore an aspect of ocean observing that pertains to their specific interests and goals by producing a term paper on a relevant topic of their choice. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Real-time information from the ocean helps to save lives, protects coastal communities and economies and sustains coastal ecosystems. Sustained ocean observing will require a technically trained and skilled ocean knowledgeable workforce from a wide variety of disciplines and interests ranging from stakeholder and engagement, data processing and data management, web services and products, predictive models and instrumentation operation. Many public and private sectors require timely and accurate ocean and environmental data, which makes this field a stable career pathway. KEY TOPICS AND THEMES. Key topics include the historical rationale and motivation for coastal and global ocean observing systems, sampling and instrumentation strategies and backbone system design, national and international government agencies with ocean observing investment, ocean technologies, examples, gliders, ARGO, HF radar, ocean observatories, satellites, numerical models, policy considerations and the political aspects of ocean observing. Class discussions and current events will add new perspectives, keeping the course timely and relevant. Prerequisite: OCNG 251 or approval of instructor.