Key learning
Understanding the state of the ocean is essential to our future. In this article, we elaborate on why ocean monitoring is so important and how and what we are measuring.
Why are we collecting ocean data?
The ocean is a vast and dynamic system. And to observe and understand the bigger picture and the details more efficiently, Voice of the Ocean continuously gathers and supplies time series of ocean data.
Our open-access policy helps forecasters and researchers see patterns and differentiate between short and long-term changes.
Moreover, the near real-time data provide the basis for unique insights into how the ocean changes and can help to shed light on unsolved questions. And might even give new input to topics previously thought to be understood.
How are we gathering data?
The Ocean Knowledge team in Gothenburg forms the hub of our ocean monitoring. From our vessels, we deploy and recover our fleet of uncrewed gliders. The 24/7 approach not only guarantees high-quality data but also makes the operations unique internationally.
When aggregating our data, we follow the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles. It ensures the safe archiving of the data to be available for future generations.
Our ocean gliders
Our autonomous underwater vehicles are ideal for gathering data in remote areas and under almost any conditions. After deployment, the glider collects water samples while moving up and down in a sawtooth pattern.
Depending on the weather conditions, a glider typically operates in a preprogrammed manner for two weeks before recovery and maintenance.
What are we measuring?
We have the option to equip our gliders with a series of sensors, which in turn enable us to measure several oceanographic variables.
However, a set of four base parameters are always collected – those are,
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