What is the OOI?

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the OOI was designed as a long-term project to collect ocean data for up to 25 years or more. This longevity makes it possible to  measure and directly observe both short-lived episodic events and longer term changes occurring in the ocean. Such data makes it possible to better understand ocean processes and how the ocean is changing. 

OOI consists of five arrays that are continually collecting data about ocean conditions.  These arrays are outfitted with some 900 instruments – of 36 different types—measuring more than 200 different parameters. The instrumented arrays gather physical, chemical, geological, and biological data from the air-sea interface to the seafloor, providing a wealth of information for research and education. 

The data collected are transmitted through a cyberinfrastructure, making it possible for anyone with an Internet connection to download ocean data in real time. 

As an open community resource, researchers are encouraged to add instrumentation to OOI arrays and to write data-driven proposals that use OOI data to help answer research questions.  

— Last revised on May 4, 2020 —