Multimedia Gallery
Ocean Observatory Initiative Overview
An overview map of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatory Initiative.
The Ocean Observatory Initiative (OOI) was developed by NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences to provide the U.S. ocean sciences research community with access to the basic infrastructure required to make sustained, long-term and adaptive measurements in the oceans.
OOI will be constructing a networked infrastructure of science-driven sensor systems to measure the physical, chemical, geological and biological variables in the ocean and seafloor. Greater knowledge of these variables is vital for improved detection and forecasting of environmental changes and their effects on biodiversity, coastal ecosystems and climate.
Resolving pressing issues related to climate variability, severe weather, ocean turbulent mixing, changes in ocean ecosystems, plate tectonics and sub-seafloor chemistry and biology depend upon these new approaches. The OOI's goal is to install transformational technology in ocean observatories where it can serve researchers, policymakers and the public. More information about OOI is available Here.
(Date of Image: January 2009)
Credit: Center for Environmental Visualization, University of Washington
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