Synopsis of the Envisioned Pilot Project

The pilot project will aim to demonstrate the added value of an integrated multi-observatory system for comprehensive observations of larger scale phenomena along the eastern coastal ocean. At a minimum, the effort will involve (i) making a coordinated set of observations along the East Coast during the passage of storms in all seasons to address scientific questions developed at the workshop for the purpose of data assimilation and modeling, in support of improving coastal ocean forecasts along the East Coast and for the benefit of the society, (ii) recording and making the data accessible in near real time from a specified website, (iii) developing easily accessible data archiving and retrieval system. Specifically, based on the consensus developed at the March 2001 NSF sponsored workshop,

1. The pilot observation effort will be primarily directed at addressing the question, “How well can we observe, describe, and predict the processes determining the response of a broad range of Atlantic coastal environments to the seasonal progression of storm passages?” and related short and long term scientific questions. The effort will be cognizant of the short and long term applications of the network as identified at the March 2001 NSF sponsored workshop, including the impact of the network to studies of storm surge, wave dynamics, circulation, stratification, primary production, sediment transport and other societal issues.

2. Observations at each participating observatories will include, at a minimum, coastal sea level, directional wave spectra, time series of T, S, current profiles and wind velocity and complete surface, momentum and buoyancy fluxes. The observations will be made in the context of larger scale supporting synoptic satellite imagery and bio-optic observation along the seaboard will be recorded.

3. The network will develop a distributed ocean data system, with each site responsible for its own data management system. An MOA would be developed that specifies details of data management and access, including data format, minimal level of data quality, averaging period for time series, timeliness, archiving and access requirements and related issues.

4. The pilot project will develop a tangible networked observation system which, when established, is expected to be of immediate use to ocean modeling, efforts in improving coastal ocean forecasting and to studies of larger scale phenomena involving transport and mixing and their impact on marine life, sediment transport, etc.