Ocean Observatory Initiative News Feed

News from Ocean Observatory Initiative

1. Successful Underwater Surveys in the Mid-Atlantic Bight: OOI Team Deploys REMUS AUVs for Coastal Ocean Monitoring

   Taking advantage of a period of calm weather, OOI staff successfully completed underwater surveys of the Pioneer Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelf and upper slope using OOI REMUS AUVs.  With ab underway speed of over 3 knots, the AUVs provide synoptic transects of rapidly changing coastal systems – analogous to repeated “snapshots” of the ocean physical, biological, and nutrient conditions across the shelf capturing changes that occur over short time and spatial scales (meters to kilometers, and hours to one day). The OOI Pioneer array was relocated from the New England Shelf (NES) to the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight in April 2024.  AUV surveys previously conducted in the continental shelf waters offshore of New England now take place offshore of the sandy Outer Banks of North Carolina in a new and highly dynamic part of the US continental shelf.  Moving the Pioneer Array to the MAB naturally resulted in some changes to operations, foremost being the use of new vessels (for this cruise, the R/V Virginia operated by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science).  For efficiency, the AUVs are shipped fully assembled inside a 20 ft shipping container, along with all communications, control, and deck equipment. On arrival everything can be hoisted aboard and prepared for sea without needing re-integration that consumes valuable days on shore (Fig 1).  The ships crane was modified by WHOI engineer Jared Schwartz to install the Ship of Opportunity Launch and Recovery System (SOO-LARS), a modular hydraulic winch system that OOI employs for safe and efficient deployment and recovery of these large AUVs on ships of several classes (Fig. 2). The AUV operations at MAB derive from previous work at Pioneer NES. Once deployed, the AUVs run autonomously and sample in a series of saw-tooth profiles along a pre-programmed track, remaining in acoustic contact with the support vessel and surfacing periodically to update exact location from GPS.  These plans were adapted for the MAB to compensate for the larger expanse of shelf traversed and the large changes in water column density between the shallow (25 m) inner shelf and deeper > 500 m upper slope. This is further complicated by density variations along the shelf and seasonally under the triple-influence of estuarine outflows, continental shelf processes, and the Gulf Stream just a few miles beyond the offshore extent of the sampling region (Fig 3). The MAB is also busy with a range of commercial, fishing, and military vessel traffic, offshore fixed installations, and ocean life in every shape and size imaginable.  All factors that must be considered in advance and avoided underway by the invisible submerged AUVs. As was true for Pioneer NES, the support and knowledge of local vessel operators is vital to supporting at-sea operations and for meeting OOI’s science mission objectives. The AUV data were offloaded from the vehicles after recovery. The data are discoverable in the OOI Data Explorer, and also available on the OOI raw data repository, following data format conversion and sensor post-calibration. In addition to completing two consecutive surveys, each about 24 hours in length, the at-sea team of Andy Robinson, Collin Dobson, and Natalia Moore completed the scheduled recovery of the Offshore Mesoscale glider cp_379 (Fig. 4).  A bonus accomplishment of this cruise was cross-training OOI staff new to AUV operations (Moore), made easier by the prevailing mild weather, experienced AUV techs, and the capable ship’s crew. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="35942,35943,35944,35945"]

2. Community Datasets: Advancing Research and Collaboration through OOI Data

   The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is committed to providing open-access oceanographic data to advance research and collaboration. The revamped Community Datasets page now compiles value-added datasets contributed by researchers, showcasing the diverse applications of OOI data in ocean science. This page serves as a resource for researchers, educators, and data scientists, providing easy access to datasets shaped by the broader scientific community. By highlighting these datasets, OOI aims to foster collaboration and encourage new research opportunities. The Community Datasets page features datasets derived from OOI data available at Oceanobservatories.org. The value-added datasets are created by the user community and hosted on platforms like NOAA’s NCEI, the Woods Hole Open Access Server, and Zenodo. These data sets, and associated metadata, can be accessed via Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). Datasets currently highlighted on the OOI Community Datasets webpage include:

   • Camargo, C. M. L. (2024). Shelfbreak jet transport from OOI Pioneer. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10814048
   • Le Bras, Isabela (2023). Water temperature and salinity profiles from the OOI Global Irminger Sea Array Apex profiler mooring (2014-2020). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. DOI: 25921/wzvr-fk49
   • Lobert, Lukas, Gawarkiewicz, Glen G., Plueddemann, Albert J. (2023). Gridded hydrography and bulk air-sea interactions observed by the OOI Coastal Pioneer New England Shelf Mooring Array (2015-2022). Woods Hole Open Access Server. DOI: 26025/1912/66379
   • McRaven, L. (2021). Near-real-time CTD data from Irminger 8 cruise (August 2021). Ocean Observatories Initiative. Retrieved from: https://oceanobservatories.org/2021/09/near-real-time-ctd-data-from-irminger-8-cruise-august-2021/
   • McRaven, Leah (2022). Water temperature, salinity, and others taken by CTD and Niskin bottles from the research vessel Neil Armstrong (August 2021). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. DOI: 25921/p8qe-me08
   • Risien, Craig, Cervantes, Brandy, Fewings, Melanie, Barth, John, Kosro, P. Michael (2023). A Stitch in Time: Combining More than Two Decades of Mooring Data from the Central Oregon Shelf (v1.0). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7582475
   • Toole, John M., Musgrave, Ruth C., Fine, Elizabeth C., Steinberg, Jacob M., Krishfield, Richard A. (2023). Near-full-depth profile observations of water properties and currents at four deep-ocean sites. Woods Hole Open Access Server. DOI: 26025/1912/66426
   • Wilcock, William, Tolstoy, Maya, Waldhauser, Felix (2017). Catalogs of earthquakes recorded on Axial Seamount (January–November 2015). Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). DOI: 1594/IEDA/323843

   A key feature of this initiative is its community-driven approach. Researchers from diverse institutions have collaborated to compile and share these datasets, ensuring their broader impact. In addition to accessing datasets, researchers are encouraged to contribute their own derived datasets. Those interested in sharing their work can reach out to the OOI HelpDesk for support. The Community Datasets page is a valuable resource for researchers, promoting data accessibility, collaboration, and scientific innovation. By sharing and expanding the use of OOI data, the community continues to drive groundbreaking discoveries in ocean science. Explore the Community Datasets Page → https://oceanobservatories.org/community-data-tools/community-datasets/

3. Exploring Air-Sea Interactions at the AMS Annual Meeting

   The Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the largest national gathering for atmospheric scientists, drawing experts from various disciplines, including oceanography. This event serves as a key venue for advancing research and fostering collaborations across scientific communities. AMS plays a critical role in disseminating oceanographic research through several journals, including the Bulletin of the AMS, Journal of Climate, Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, and Journal of Physical Oceanography. These publications provide valuable platforms for cutting-edge studies in meteorology and oceanography. A long-standing proponent of air-sea interaction research, the AMS supports this field through its dedicated Committee on Air-Sea Interaction. This committee organizes biennial research conferences at the annual meeting and frequently collaborates with other AMS committees to host joint sessions at these locations. Most recently, the Air-Sea Interaction Committee has expanded its collaborative efforts beyond AMS, partnering with the American Geophysical Union (AGU) to organize sessions at the Ocean Sciences Meeting. At this year’s AMS Annual Meeting, the 24th Conference on Air-Sea Interaction was held in New Orleans, providing a platform for researchers to present their latest findings. James Edson, Principal Investigator of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), and Ben Barr, Postdoctoral Investigator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), along with their colleagues gave two presentations investigating air-sea interaction in high winds and extreme environments using OOI data. Their talks included:

   • 10.2 Edson and Barr: Improvements to the COARE Bulk Flux Algorithm under Extreme Wind and Wave Conditions using NSF OOI Data
   • 10.5 Barr, Seo, Edson, Sauvage, and Clayson: Understanding and Constraining Interfacial and Sea Spray Heat Fluxes in High Winds Using Direct Covariance Heat Flux Observations

   These presentations were met with significant enthusiasm, sparking in-depth discussions that extended well into the lunch break. The engagement and interest generated by these talks reflect the growing importance of high-quality observational data in advancing our understanding of air-sea interactions, particularly under extreme environmental conditions. As research on air-sea interactions advances, events like the AMS Annual Meeting play a crucial role in driving progress in marine meteorology. By leveraging innovative observational tools and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, scientists are set to make significant strides in understanding the complex dynamics at the interface of the ocean and atmosphere.

4. 2025 OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics: Applications Now Open

   The Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board (OOIFB), funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), is hosting the 2025 Summer School on Acoustics from July 14–18, 2025, at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA.

   This five-day, in-person program will provide targeted lectures, hands-on tutorials, and practical exercises using real-world examples and NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) data products. Participants will focus on accessing, analyzing, and interpreting acoustic data alongside complementary oceanographic datasets available through OOI.

   By the end of the program, participants will have a deeper understanding of underwater sound propagation, passive and active acoustic instruments (e.g., hydrophones and echosounders) deployed through OOI, and the available datasets. They will also learn how to navigate OOI data portals, apply basic acoustic data processing methods, and explore how these data can support scientific research. The program also offers opportunities to connect with a professional network of researchers using OOI data.

   There are no registration fees, and travel support is available for participants from U.S. institutions. For details on program requirements, eligibility, a draft agenda, and the application process, visit the OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics webpage.

   Please share this opportunity with your colleagues and networks. For questions, contact Holly Morin (holly@ooifb.org).

5. Irminger Sea Convection and the roles of Atmospheric Forcing and Stratification

   The high-latitude North Atlantic, is a region where seasonal convection results in deep water formation, a process critical to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Surface cooling by cold air and strong winds in the Irminger Sea transforms the surface water and drives deep convection in winter. Prior studies have shown that AMOC strength is linked to the extent of water mass transformation in the Irminger Sea and Iceland Basin. A study by de Jong et al. (2025) used a 19-year time series with weekly resolution compiled from moorings and Argo floats to evaluate the year-to-year variability of deep convection and its relationship to atmospheric forcing versus water column stratification. A time series of surface forcing for the 19-year analysis period (2002-2020) was obtained from the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) ERA-5 global atmospheric reanalysis. Hydrographic data from the near-surface to 2500 m was collected from three sources: the NIOZ Long-term Ocean Circulation Observations (LOCO) mooring, the GEOMAR Central Irminger Sea (CIS) mooring, and the OOI Hybrid Profiler Mooring (HYPM). Surface temperature and salinity from Argo, ERA-5, and the OOI surface mooring, along with nearby Argo profiles, were used to provide data at the surface and in the upper water column. The records were merged with 25 m vertical resolution and one week time resolution. Mixed layer depth was determined from the hydrographic profiles using a published algorithm with further quality control using multiple criteria. The time series of potential vorticity (PV) and mixed layer depth (MLD; Fig. 1d), highlights the significant interannual variability. Some years (e.g. 2002-2003) show relatively shallow winter MLD and little evidence of sustained low PV (which would indicate deep mixing) between years. Other years (e.g. 2015-2016) show strong convection, deep MLD, and sustained low PV. While the change in stratification due to warming and freshening related to climate change is expected to weaken convection future convection, analysis showed that in this record there was a strong correlation between the annual maximum MLD and the total accumulated winter heat loss. The correlation between maximum summer stratification and maximum MLD the following winter was not significant. Thus, among other findings, the authors concluded that during the period analyzed atmospheric forcing is three times more important than pre-existing stratification in determining the maximum winter mixed layer depth in the Irminger Sea. The processed and edited temperature and salinity profiles from the OOI Irminger Sea HYPM from September 2014 to May 2020 are described by Le Bas (2023). The processed data are publicly available from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and referenced with a DOI. The NCEI record includes information about data quality control, validation and drift correction, gridding method, and algorithms for computation of data products. This project shows the potential for long-duration OOI moored profiler records to be combined with other data sources to provide unique insights into interannual variability of mixing and deep convection in the Irminger Sea. It is notable that the authors undertook a significant data quality control effort and took advantage of the OOI shipboard validation CTD casts (along with non-OOI CTD data sources) in their processing. [caption id="attachment_35691" align="alignnone" width="624"] Figure 29: Time series of the combined LOCO, CIS, OOI and Argo record from 2002-2020. a) temperature, b) salinity, c) potential density and d) potential vorticity with mixed layer depth overlaid (black dots). From de Jong et al., 2025.[/caption] ___________________ References: De Jong, M.F, K.E Fogaren, L. LeBras, L. McRaven and H. Palevsky, (2025). Atmospheric forcing dominates the interannual variability of convection strength in the Irminger Sea. J. Geophys. Res., 130, e2023JC020799. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JC020799. Le Bras, I. (2023). Water temperature and salinity profiles from the Ocean Observatories Initiative Global Irminger Sea Array Apex profiler mooring from September 2014 to May 2020 (NCEI Accession 0285241). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/wzvr-fk49.