EUROSITES

Integration and enhancement of key existing European deep-ocean observatories

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'At present there are a number of fixed point observatories that autonomously measure biological, chemical and physical variables in the oceans around Europe. These operate at various levels of sophistication but in a largely uncoordinated and fragmented manner. There is no agreed set of basic variables and common data protocols are not followed. EuroSITES has two main objectives: 1: To enhance the existing deep ocean observatories thus forming a coherent European network. This will then provide a clear and relevant description of the time varying properties of the ocean system. 2: To perform a small number of specific science missions that will, in the future, form the basis for greatly improved and novel monitoring capability. The work we propose addresses directly and explicitly the vision of GEOSS. We will address this in the context of the time changing properties of the ocean interior, seafloor and sub seafloor around Europe. EuroSITES will promote links with other international observation networks such as the network envisioned under the U.S. National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Long-term time-series data offer some of the most important insights into the ways our oceans are changing. Crucially important processes occur on time scales that can not be observed by ships and in the deep parts of the ocean that are outside the reach of satellites. Sustained in situ observations are therefore required to provide high quality data on climatically and ecologically relevant variables at a few key locations. EuroSITES is the means to achieve this.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Deep-ocean observatories based in the Mediterranean and northeast Atlantic have been upgraded to facilitate their work in monitoring the effects of climate change.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Eurosites is part of an integrated network comprising nine deep-ocean observatories positioned off the continental shelf in waters deeper than 1;000 metres. The observatories host scientific equipment that measures a range of different factors throughout the water column, from the seafloor to the surface. The network is coordinated by the National Oceanography Centre based in Southampton, UK and includes 13 partners from across Europe and the Cape Verde Islands.

The project has two main objectives. The first is to improve the existing deep-ocean observatories and form an effective network that can describe time-dependant properties of the ocean system. The second is to carry out a number of specific scientific activities that will help develop new and improved approaches to monitoring the deepwater environment.

Improvements to observatories have included the use of sensors to measure oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorophyll and nitrates in real time. Sensors and samplers have been employed to improve ability to measure properties in the ocean associated with the climate. This has included the deployment in both coastal and open sea of equipment for studying the biological carbon pump, mainly algae, which will provide ground-breaking insights into the ocean's role in the carbon cycle.

Zooplankton abundance and diversity is a key factor to understanding the carbon cycle within the ocean and marine scientists are now testing a long-term sampling device.

Acidification of the world's oceans as a result of climate change is of growing concern. Therefore, Eurosites researchers are monitoring pH levels to determine the impact of acidification and have developed, and are now using, a new type of pH sensor.

Two autonomous seafloor platforms have been established in the Mediterranean. One monitors fluid flow and pore pressure to determine slope stability, while the other acts as a tsunami early-warning system. Additional activities carried out in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean include monitoring communities of bottom-dwelling organisms and associated biogeochemistry as indicators of climate change.

Each of the nine deep-water observatories now possesses enhanced systems that allow them to conduct a wider range of activities even more effectively. The data from the sites will give EU scientists a clearer picture of changes taking place in our seas as a result of global warming and ocean acidification.