IOOS: Integrated Ocean Observing System Essay -- Marine Technology Ess

IOOS: Integrated Ocean Observing System Oceans cover over 70% of our planet, yet very little is known about their biological content, physical systems, and how, both together and individually, they affect our planet. Understanding the affect the ocean has on weather, climate changes, and the ecosystems of the planet are of ever-increasing interest to the human population. Studies, experiments, and more are currently being conducted by various means, sources, and organizations. Due to the this vast amount of monitoring, a need has arisen to collect and combine this data into one common database that more than a few individuals and organizations have access to. In order to meet this need the Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS, is currently being developed in the United States. The need for a common database has arisen from the large number of ever increasing oceanographic studies that are being conducted. Many new experiments are being conducted on how the ocean affects our environment. This includes global warming and the study of whether or not â€Å"long-term changes in the oceans (are) naturally occurring, or†¦the result of human activities.†1 Without the knowledge of possible fluctuation of the ocean’s temperature and salinity (to name only two factors) over time, it is impossible to say if we are facing a serious rise in the earth’s temperature or if this is simply a cycle the earth undergoes every few million years. Scientists are studying â€Å"how shelf water is transferred at the continental shelf break to the inner basin† in hopes that this will provide them with the answers on arctic warming trends.2 Other scientists are studying how oceans store and transport â€Å"vast amounts of heat and fres h... ... 10 National Ocean Research Leadership Council, Ocean.US, Implementation of the Initial U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System: Part I Structure and Governance (Arlington, Virginia: 2003), . 11 Kite-Powell, Hauke L., Charles S. Colgan, and Rodney Weiher, â€Å"Economics of an Integrated Ocean Observing System,† Marine Technology Society Journal 37 (2003), 12 Jan. 2004, . 12 West, Richard D., â€Å"IOOS: Discovery and Education,† Marine Technology Society Journal 37 (2003), 12 Jan. 2004, . 13 Watkins, James D., â€Å"Why the U.S. needs an Integrated Ocean Observing System,† Marine Technology Society Journal 37 (2003), 12 Jan. 2004, .