Western Pacific Ocean: Launch of Biogeochemical Research Floats
In the heart of California, at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), one of the top 15 research universities in the world, lies Scripps Oceanography. This esteemed institution, a cornerstone of global earth science research and education, is making waves in the world of oceanography.
Melissa Miller, a staff research associate at Scripps Oceanography, is at the forefront of this exciting work. Not only does she contribute to the Comic-Con Museum by bringing scientific content to pop culture events, but she also deploys robotic floats with biogeochemical sensors about once a year. These floats are part of a vast network called the Global Ocean Biogeochemistry array (GO-BGC), a program that aims to understand climate change and ocean health.
The floats, which join the larger Argo network, an international program with over 4,000 floats, sink to 2,000 meters (6,600 feet), collect data as they rise back to the ocean surface, and then "park" themselves at a depth of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) for 10 days. The data they collect on temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, backscatter, chlorophyll, and irradiance supports studies on climate change, ocean currents, and even a paper about penguin populations.
But the story doesn't end there. Through the Adopt-a-Float program, classrooms from around the world can adopt and name these floats, fostering a connection between students and the vast, mysterious ocean. Miller has even had the opportunity to video call with some adopting classrooms while onboard the E/V Nautilus, adding a personal touch to this unique educational initiative.
The Ocean Exploration Trust, which operates E/V Nautilus, was founded by Robert Ballard, an oceanographer famous for discovering the Titanic wreckage. Scripps Oceanography itself operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, one of which was the E/V Nautilus during Miller's cruise. On this voyage, Ballard joined E/V Nautilus during a cruise to find and record World War II shipwrecks in Iron Bottom Sound, off the coast of Guadalcanal.
The data collected by the floats is open access and available to anyone, contributing to a better understanding of marine ecosystems and supporting scientific efforts to predict future changes in ocean health under different climate outcomes. This collaboration between observational data and modeling advances the understanding of marine ecosystems, a crucial step in preserving our planet's oceans for future generations.
Scripps Oceanography offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders. With initiatives like the Adopt-a-Float program, it's clear that the future of oceanography is in good hands. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center, welcomes 500,000 visitors each year, further spreading the message of ocean conservation and education.
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of our oceans, programs like GO-BGC and the Adopt-a-Float initiative are essential in bridging the gap between scientific research and public engagement. By fostering a connection between students and the ocean, we can ensure a future where our oceans are understood, respected, and protected.
Science and technology play significant roles in oceanographic research and ocean exploration at Scripps Oceanography, as evidenced by Melissa Miller's deployment of robotic floats with biogeochemical sensors as part of the Global Ocean Biogeochemistry array (GO-BGC) program. These floats, which collect data on various oceanic factors, support studies on climate change, ocean currents, and even contribute to research about penguin populations. Furthermore, through the Adopt-a-Float program, classrooms from around the world can adopt and name these floats, fostering a connection between students and the ocean, which is crucial for the future of oceanography and conservation.
