Instrumenting our oceans for better observation: a training course on a suite of biogeochemical sensors: IOCCP & BONUS INTEGRAL Training Course.

Abstract

Ocean properties vary on a number of time-scales and it is necessary to obtain high quality, high resolution (both spatial and temporal) biogeochemical measurements in order to tease out human from naturally-induced changes. In this regard, biogeochemical ocean time-series represent one of the most valuable tools scientists have to characterise and quantify ocean carbon fluxes and biogeochemical processes and their links to changing climate. In recent years, the importance of biogeochemical time-series has been underscored in light of issues of global, regional and local climatic and societal relevance. Ship-based biogeochemical monitoring is critical to understand ocean changes, but these are costly and therefore have limited temporal resolution. Ocean technology has leapt to the aid of scientists by providing them with cost-effective tools that can take measurements of essential biogeochemical variables autonomously, i.e. sensors on autonomous platforms. These autonomous measurements are complementary to efforts carried out by traditional ship-based sampling, with the aim of improving data coverage worldwide. Yet, despite these options becoming more readily available, there is still a gap between the technology and the end-user. This is born out of lack of training, lack of in-depth knowledge, and lack of community coordination. There is also a disconnect between data gathering by autonomous sensors and data quality, which is a major obstacle as these sensors are already being deployed on autonomous platforms in several different projects in many ocean regions. Indeed, the Panel for Integrated Coastal Observation (PICO) pointed out that while some of the required technologies are mature, the implementation on a global scale may be limited by lack of common standards and protocols and/or calibrated and validated algorithms for translating data into useful information.

2019 Sensors Training Course

Building on the success of the 2015 training course, the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project (IOCCP) and EU BONUS INTEGRAL Project (Integrated carboN and TracE Gas monitoRing for the bALtic sea) have organizing a 10-day international training course on "Instrumenting our ocean for better observation:a training course on a suite of biogeochemical sensors." The course was held on June 10-19, 2019 at the Sven Lovén Center for Marine Sciences, in Kristineberg, Sweden. This course responded to the growing demand of the global ocean observing system and the marine biogeochemistry community for expanding the correct usage and generation of information from a suite of autonomous biogeochemical sensors.

The goal of the course was to train the new generation of marine biogeochemists in the use of a suite of biogeochemical sensors and to assure the best possible quality of the data produced. The workshop was limited to a total of 28 participants at an early career researcher level selected through a competitive process.

This intensive training course provided trainees with lectures and hands-on field and laboratory experience with sensors (deployment, interfacing, troubleshooting and calibration), and provided in-depth knowledge on data reduction and quality control as well as data management. This course also offered an overview on the use of remote sensing, modelling and intelligent data extrapolation techniques.