2017 U.S. Underwater Glider Workshop Report, January 18-19, 2017

Abstract

Autonomous underwater gliders provide an advanced and cost-effective mechanism for collecting essential oceanographic data at spatial and temporal scales that help the United States achieve critical research and operational objectives. In 1989, Henry Stommel and Doug Webb proposed the first Slocum Glider with a buoyancy engine powered by a heat exchanger, which has led to the development of new underwater glider vehicles (e.g. SeaExplorer, Seaglider, Slocum, Spray) and sophisticated data software products. The broad technical and geographic expansion of underwater gliders presents a unique opportunity for greater coordination among the ocean observing community for organizing decision-makers, glider operators, and data users to enhance science, marine services, and maximize societal benefits.

Presented with this opportunity, the Interagency Ocean Observing Committee (IOOC), whose mission is to enhance the efficiency of and motivation for ocean observing networks, commissioned a Glider Task Team comprised of regional and national glider experts and federal resource managers. The Task Team convened a U.S. Underwater Glider Workshop attended by 90 national and international glider experts from government agencies, universities, nonprofits, and industry.