OOI Receives SOLAS Endorsement

The Surface Ocean – Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) endorsed the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) as one of its Integrated Atmosphere-Ocean Time Series Stations at the forefront of SOLAS science.

SOLAS is an international research initiative that aims to understand the key biogeochemical-physical interactions and feedbacks between the ocean and atmosphere, and how this coupled system affects and is affected by climate and global change. In operation since 2004, SOLAS has 1227 members worldwide, and 31 scientific networks with members from 14 nations.

OOI data directly address the SOLAS core themes on ‘Greenhouse gases and the oceans’, ‘Air-sea interface and flux of mass and energy’, ‘Atmospheric deposition and ocean biogeochemistry’ and ‘Ocean biogeochemical control on atmospheric chemistry’, as well as the cross-cutting themes on ‘Polar oceans’, ‘Upwelling systems’ and ‘Climate intervention’.

The designation as one of SOLAS’s time-series stations benefits both OOI and SOLAS, as well as the broader ocean science community. The endorsement provides OOI with the opportunity to provide input to the development, planning, and implementation of SOLAS and closer links to other international programs. The interconnection provides scientific value through contextual links and collaborative opportunities as well as the potential for the development of standardized measurement methods and protocols, facilitating quality control and data sharing.

“We are pleased to have been endorsed by SOLAS’ Scientific Steering Committee, which will continue to broaden the use of OOI data to answer critical ocean-related questions,” said Jim Edson, Principal Investigator of OOI’s Program Office. “We are particularly excited about the possibility of greater collaboration and continued implementation of best practices within the international ocean observing community.”