A Renewal of the Ocean-Systems for Chemical, Optical, and Physical Experiments (O-SCOPE) Program

The program’s general objective is to improve the variety, quantity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of observations in anticipation of a global ocean observing network of strategically placed moorings and other ocean platforms. Basic NOPP O-SCOPE goals are to: 1) identify key variables to be measured, determine capabilities and limitations of available sensors, and define specifications for nextgeneration sensors, 2) design, develop, and test integrated interdisciplinary systems for biogeochemical, bio-optical, and physical measurements (e.g., low-cost, easily deployed, reliable, robust), 3) design a testbed mooring program (e.g., deployment scheduling, sampling rates, instrument placement depths, etc.), 4) deploy next-generation interdisciplinary instrument suites on three moorings, and 5) evaluate performances of new instrumentation and telemetry systems.