The overarching objective of AtlantOS is to achieve a transition from a loosely-coordinated set of existing ocean observing activities producing fragmented, often mono-disciplinary data, to a sustainable, efficient, and fit-for-purpose Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System (IAOOS).

This will be achieved through research and innovation activities focused on: defining requirements and systems design, improving the readiness of observing networks and data systems, engaging stakeholders around the Atlantic, as well as strengthening Europe’s contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), a major component of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), its Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), and specifically on its emerging “Oceans and Society: Blue Planet” initiative.

AtlantOS contributes to blue growth by merging new information needs relevant to key sectors such as transport, tourism, fisheries, marine biotech, resource extraction and energy with existing requirements. AtlantOS significantly contributes to trans-Atlantic cooperation by integrating existing observing activities established by European, North and South American, and African countries and by filling existing gaps to reach an agile, flexible IAOOS and associated ocean information systems around the Atlantic.

WP6 Roadmap

AtlantOS WP6

AtlantOS logo

Website: https://www.atlantos-h2020.eu

PI: Prof. Martin Visbeck, GEOMAR
Email: mvisbeck at geomar.de

NOC contact: Prof. Doug Connelly
Email: douglas.connelly at noc.ac.uk

Dates
–
Funding

European Union

Aim

Objectives:

  1. Establish European leadership in a cooperative design of Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System (IAOOS).
  2. Enhance the readiness of ship-based and autonomous platform observing networks so they become sufficiently mature for long-term sustainability.
  3. Support Atlantic observing communities within existing networks observing EOVs including international expertise in the design and development, operation and maintenance of IAOOS networks, and disseminate best practices, harmonizing data processing and quality control procedures.
  4. Close the gap between continental shelf and deep ocean observing networks.
  5. Showcase the power of integrated trans-Atlantic observing to provide information necessary to cope with global challenges such as climate change, increased pressures on natural resources, and global-scale hazards.
  6. Create a step change in the observing system performance by innovation of sensors and instruments available for IAOOS and hence reduce data gaps and cost of collection.
  7. Provide new information products in several societal benefit areas (i.e. climate, disasters, ecosystems, health and fresh water) including increased safety for offshore activities and coastal communities.
  8. Improve systems evaluation by providing quantitative and near-real-time information on the technical performance of the IAOOS networks and their timely data delivery.
  9. Develop a results-oriented dialogue with key stakeholder communities.
  10. Engage a wide range of interested organizations and individuals over the course of AtlantOS.
  11. Enable free and open access to all data.
Autosubs (Autosub 5, Autosub Long Range)
Oceanographic sampling (sensor and mooring equipment)
Seafloor sampling (corers, dredgers, trawlers)
Geophysics (seismic surveys)