Some considerations about coastal ocean observing systems

Abstract

Coastal ocean observing capabilities are evolving rapidly, both in terms of sensors and in terms of the volume of information available. We discuss the aspects of the coastal ocean that make it a unique environment, both in terms of physical processes and measurement techniques. Although many global-level systems are relevant to the coastal ocean, we concentrate on treating systems that are unique to the continental shelf environment. Further, we briefly discuss examples of measurement systems that would be useful for developing and driving ocean prediction systems.

Sustainable Observations of the AMOC: Methodology and Technology

“…We therefore comment only on observing systems that specifically relate to the North Atlantic and confine other comments to generalities and principles of coastal and shelf observing systems. For more details of present observing systems and greater detail on the generalities we point the reader toward (Brink & Kirincich, ).…”

“…A tabulated list of commonly used technologies for observing continental shelves is shown in Table . More details of these methods can be found in many references, and we point the reader to Brink and Kirincich () and references therein for an informed and thorough exposition. Two overarching themes are apparent in coastal and shelf sustained observing: (1) complexities of territorial water management, discontinuity and/or disconnected efforts, lack of coordinated historical archiving, changing priorities for coastal waters, and all present challenges to data discovery of existing shelf seas observation, let alone creating of new sustained observing programs; (2) the shorter time and space scales of variability in shallow continental shelf waters and the proximity to land favor the adoption of robotic technologies (gliders, autonomous underwater, and surface vehicles) and land‐based methods (e.g., tide gauges and high frequency radar).…”