Satellite Remote Sensing in Support of an Integrated Ocean Observing System



Muller-Karger, Frank, Mitchell Roffer, Nan Walker, Matt Oliver, Oscar Schofield, Mark Abbot, Hans Graber, Robert Leben, Gustavo Goni

Muller-Karger, F.; Roffer, M.; Walker, N.; Oliver, M.; Schofield, O.; Abbott, M.; Graber, H.; Leben, R.; Goni, G., "Satellite Remote Sensing in Support of an Integrated Ocean Observing System," Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine, IEEE , vol.1, no.4, pp.8,18, Dec. 2013 doi: 10.1109/MGRS.2013.2289656

Earth observing satellites represent some of the most valued components of the international Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), both part of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). In the United States, such satellites are a cornerstone of the Integrated Ocean Observing Systen (IOOS), required to carry out advanced coastal and ocean research, and to impolement and sustain sensible resource management policies based on science. Satellite imagery and satellite-derived data are required for mapping vital coastal and marine resources, improving maritime domain awareness, and to better understand the complexities of land, ocean, atmosphere, ice, biological, and social interactions. These data are critical to the strategic planning of in situ observing components and are critical to improving forecasting and numberical modeling. Specifically, there are several stakeholder communities that require periodic, frequent, and sustained synoptic observations. Of particular importance are indicators of ecosystem structure (habitat and species inventories), ecoysystem states (health and change) and observations about physical and biogeochemical variables to support the operational and research communities, and industry sectors including mining, fisheries, and transportation. IOOS requires a strategy to coordinate the human capacity, and fund, advance, and maintain the infrastructure that provides improved remote sensing observations and support for the nation and the globe. A partnership between the private, government, and education sectors will enhance remote sensing support and product development for critical coastal and deep-water regions based on infrared, ocean color, and microwave satellite sensors. These partnerships need to include international research, government, and industry sectors in order to facilitate open data access, understanding of calibration and algorithm strategies, and fill gaps in coverage. Such partnerships will define the types of observations required to sustain vibrant coastal economies and improve the health of our marine and coastal ecosystems. They are required to plan, fund, launch, and operate the types of satellite sensors needed in the very near future to maintain continuity of observations.

Ref: IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 8-18, Dec. 18, 2013



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