OSS2015

Ocean Strategic Services beyond 2015

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The first level of GMES applications in the marine area is mostly represented by the 'upstream' services of the MCS (e.g. MyOcean). Unfortunately, the current MyOcean offering of products and services for biogeochemistry has limitations that prevent a full uptake by the potential users. The present project proposes to address these issues through a range of R&D activities designed to offer a set of solutions that shall benefit the Marine Core Service beyond 2015. The outcomes of the project are expected to benefit both the upstream and downstream services of the MCS. To achieve this, the OSS2015 team will conduct R&D work in three areas: o The derivation of 3-D and 4-D representations of biogeochemical variables from the integration of gliders and floats in situ data and EO satellite data into cutting-edge numerical biogeochemical and bio-optical models. The models, assimilation schemes and output products from the models will be tested at two pilot sites (Mediterranean and North Atlantic) o The generation and validation of satellite derived global time series of advanced biogeochemical products (POC, NPP, PFT, PSD) for carbon cycle science. o The implementation of a prototype platform of 'on-demand' services for product generation and distribution. This system of services will be tested and demonstrated with the new biogeochemistry products developed during the project. OSS2015 will also analyse the social and economical benefits and value of the products and services generated by the project. The OSS2015 team is a good balance of ten partners from six scientific research institutions and four SMEs and is designed to cover the needs of both science users and users interested in more applied services. A strong emphasis will be put on dialogue and interaction with users in order to identify their actual needs and adapt the OSS2015 services accordingly whenever possible.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Earth Observation (EO) is being used to monitor the seas and oceans across Europe. A European research project is helping to enhance the available tools and integrate them into a pan-European monitoring and forecasting capacity.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) initiative (now Copernicus) aims to achieve an autonomous European EO capability. In the marine sector, the first wave of GMES applications involved mainly 'upstream' services. These include the MyOcean series, which seeks to put in place an integrated pan-European ocean monitoring and forecasting capacity.

With support from the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), 'Ocean strategic services beyond 2015' (OSS2015) is addressing the limitations holding back the wider implementation of MyOcean products with a view to benefiting the Marine Core Service beyond 2015.

OSS2015 is concentrating its efforts on 'nowcasting' (forecasts for the next few hours), forecasting and climatology of the ocean mixed layer. To achieve this, the project fuses satellite ocean colour data with in situ measurements from autonomous platforms into biogeophysical models.

The project's first year was dedicated to research into bioptical assimilation and the integration of satellite and in situ observations with models. OSS2015 has also harnessed its efforts to develop new information tools, such as algorithms to assess phytoplankton functional types and various approaches for the evaluation of primary production.

Once completed, project partners hope, among other things, to have enhanced our understanding of the relationship between optical and biogeochemical surface information. They also expect to optimise in situ sampling techniques and to outline the requirements for future EO sensors.

OSS2015 will both improve the quality and usability of MyOcean products and contribute to the development of integrated marine observation networks.