Programs

AOOS’ programmatic goals are shaped by the Board and stakeholder feedback.  In implementing the program outlined below, AOOS strives to:
 
1) Increase access to existing coastal and ocean data
2) Package information and data in useful ways to meet the needs of stakeholders
3) Increase observing and forecasting capacity in all regions of the state, with a priority on the Arctic and Gulf of Alaska

 

Marine Operations

  • Maintains 8 SnoTel stations in Prince William Sound, streaming real-time weather data and webcams
  • Maintains wind (WRF) and circulation (ROMS) models in Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet.
  • Operates daily  wave forecasting (SWAN modeling)
  • Maintains  wave buoy in lower Cook Inlet, sending real time wave height, period, and direction data to mariners and forecasters

Coastal Hazards

  • Created the Alaska Harbor Observation Network (AHON) pilot project with a weather station in Seward, soon to be expanded to Kodiak and potentially other Alaskan communities
  • Funded ice radar installation in Barrow to monitor Arctic sea ice, now maintained with other funding

Ecosystems, Fisheries & Climate Trends

  • Contributes annual funding to the Seward Line, providing a critical long-term data series twice per year on oceanographic conditions in the GOA and how the region may be changing with climate impacts
  • Purchased an underwater autonomous glider to monitor ocean conditions and water flow in the Arctic, as part of a UAF research study.
  • Contributes to the new statewide ocean acidification research monitoring program, but purchasing ocean acidification sensors for a mooring in the Chukchi sea

Data Management & Information Products

  • Maintains AOOS website and data portal, including documenting use and integrating user feedback, and including emerging technologies into future system iterations.
  • Maintains and provides access to data products and applications including the Real-time Sensor Map, Arctic Assets Map, Model and Remote Sensing Explorer, and Sea Bird Portal, as well as working to develop upcoming products.
  • Currently developing a partnership with the ADF&G Division of Commercial Fisheries (ADF&G) to enable AOOS to access up-to-date ADF&G biological sampling data, as well as allow ADF&G staff to integrate AOOS real-time and historical data feeds directly into their internal data management applications.

*Last updated Nov 2011

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