R3M: The 2.0 Ocean Observation Strategy for the Macaronesian region
OUTLINE Where? Who? What? Why? What else?
Where?
Where?
Where? European Station for Time-series in the OCean (ESTOC). Since 1992 60 Nm Northward Canary islands - 3618 m water depth. Understanding oceanic long-term variability in the North Atlantic's subtropical gyre in conjunction with the Bermuda station BATS. Open ocean-site located well outside the highly variable Eastern boundary with its strong coastal upwelling regime (although interaction with this regime exists). Is deep enough to encompass the Eastern Subtropical North Atlantic's major water masses including the North Atlantic Deep Water. Is windward of the Canary Islands to avoid wake effects of both the major currents and winds (Canary Current and Northeast Trade), and Is far enough from coasts and islands (the Salvages 100 km Northwards are very small and flat) to serve as reference for satellite images and altimetry. Represent open-ocean Eastern Subtropical North Atlantic conditions and variability. Easy to reach by and be serviced with small research vessels. FiXO3 FP7 NeXOS FP7
Where?
Where?
Who? OCEANIC PLATFORM OF THE CANARY ISLANDS PUBLIC CONSORTIUM DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND EXPLOTATION OF THE OCEANIC PLATFORM OF THE CANARY ISLANDS (2009-2021) Multi-purpose infrastructure engaged for innovation and technological development linked with marine and maritime sectors. To promote long-term deep-ocean and offshore observations and explorations, through a cost-effective and sustainable multipurpose services combination as OBSERVATORY, TEST SIT, UNDERWATER VEHICLE BASE, HIGHLY SPECIALIZED TRAINING and INNOVATION HUB.
Who? PLOCAN OBSERVATORY: Three Nodes (1) Off-shore / Deep Ocean ESTOC Site (2) Extended (100 Km x 35 Km) Mobile observing system. Coastal, regional and global observing missions. The fleet also provides external support to national and international initiatives. (3) Coastal (10 x 4 Km) Real-time observing system used as well as instrumentation test site, including a cabled observing system.
What? GLIDER ACTIVITIES Science Technology Training
What? ESTOC Glider Line ESTOC (European Station for Time-Series in the Ocean). PLOCAN Observatory Deep-Ocean node (EMSO/ESONET) Multidisciplinary time-series station in the Central-East North Atlantic operational since 1992. (EuroSITE, ICOS) http://estoc.plocan.eu Endurance line seasonal sampling with three underwater glider technologies (Slocum, Spray and Seaglider). 2 month mission/4 times/year Long lasting section and virtual mooring operation mode combination. Technology, Science and Training goals. Partnership cooperation improvements with Macaroneasian groups for future and longer mission across the region.
What? ESTOC Glider Line MAIN OPERATIONAL ASPECTS 2 month mission/4 times/year 1000 m. sampling depth Double YO (10 m.) Max. Sampling rate (down and up cast) Telemetry only for the down cast (12 mean) CTD / DO / Chl / Turb / CDOM / ADCP Aprox. 1000 Nm. Deployment and Recovery form Small boat. Rescue Plan (S&R speed boat and helicopters)
What? ~ 400 dives 6 weeks in virtual mooring mode 2 week in transect -line mode 3 pilots on duty + 1 coordinator 750 /day
What? INFRASTRUCTURES Dedicated Lab Glider Fleet Boats Control room Harbour facilities Rescue facilities and agreements (S&R)
What? ESTOC Glider Line
What? GLIDER FLEET CONTROL PANEL GFCP- (powered by CNRS-INSU)
What? USERS RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS COMPANIES
What? USERS
What else? Next steps. OPERATION Increase glider fleet (2xSG; 2xSLG2 and 1xSE?) Increase presence (continuous mission along the year) Extend area of operation (Macaronesian Archipelagos, Portugal, GEOMAR, US and Caribean (Transatlantic), Portugal and UK (Atlantic Strategy).
What else? Next steps. TRAINING Summer School (students and professionals) Permanent training programme (undergraduates)
What else? Next steps. TECHNOLOGY New sensors and accessories (CONTROS, PAMBuoy, ACSA (SeaEXplorer), EXOCETUS (Coastal Glider), Nutrients (NOCS) Test new vehicles (AUVs and ASV) and combine technologies. NOC Nutrient Sensor on a SG Fastnet Programme
www.plocan.eu