Operational and Systems Working Group

4.0 RCOOS OPERATIONS PLAN

4.1 RCOOS Evolution

In developing SECOORA’s system design it will be essential to consider the evolving nature of the “system.” The system definition should be consistent with both the long-term goals of the organization and be as realistic as possible concerning known constraints and opportunities, particularly in the near-term. Below are different operational frameworks that recognize the need to phase regional system operations as the funding situation unfolds.

• Cooperating Systems - Coordinated operations of individual systems with very limited regional funding available. Regional operations funding limited to supporting some regional integration and pilot efforts of cooperating subregional systems. This is a short range operating concept for regional coastal ocean observing systems. It is the model under which SEACOOS was initiated. The Year 1 Transition Strategies will be confined largely to the funding constraints of this operational model.
• System of Systems – Regional integration of subregional operations. Partial regional operations funding available with significant leveraging of resources from other funding sources. Asset ownership and maintenance addressed at either regional or subregional levels depending on timing and circumstances. Initial regional operations focus likely to be placed on sustaining and integrating existing priority assets. As the system progresses, however, more regionally funded assets would be added to the system. This is a medium-range operating concept for regional coastal ocean observing systems, given funding expectations. Years 2 through 5 Transition Strategies will be oriented toward a gradual transition to this operational mode.
• Regional System – Full operational design & regional implementation. Full operations funding available. Regional oversight of operational assets. Full maintenance responsibilities through regional or subregional contracts. This is realistic only as a long-range (Years 5 through 10) operating concept for regional coastal ocean observing systems due to anticipated initial funding levels.

4.2 Initial RCOOS Priorities

4.2.1 Observations and Models

SECOORA will continue to work to develop an ultimate system for prioritizing observing system investment as the IOOS becomes a reality. As a starting point, however, the following assumptions provide the foundation for initial priorities:

• The physical structure of the ocean and its circulation are required to address most near realtime coastal ocean information needs. This is borne out in the findings of a number of workshops on this subject. The need exists among all stakeholders for accurate prediction of sea level, currents, temperature, salinity, waves, winds, and atmospheric heat and water flux as part of the observing system.
• Within the SECOORA region, there are existing tested autonomous sensing systems readily available for observing most of the primary physical variables described above. The feasibility is high to transition these techniques to pre-operations because of their long history of use in research (or existing operational) systems.
• Ocean circulation, surface gravity wave, and atmospheric circulation models exist in the region and are of sufficient maturity to be formally tested against observations and operating in real-time to produce forecasts of these fields.
• These fields provide critical information on chemical, biological and geological processes in the coastal ocean and applications within each of these disciplines can be developed through intelligent use of this component of the ecosystem observation and prediction system.

Initial recommendations focus on pursuing an aggressive campaign to augment the existing observing systems and modeling system elements to provide regional physical state estimation.

Because of the breadth of themes to be addressed by SECOORA, it will be necessary to observe a great many other variables if the observing system is to satisfy most anticipated needs. Prioritization of these additional measurements will require detailed user needs assessment and ongoing participation in SECOORA planning efforts.

4.2.1.1 Physical state estimation

Characterizing and forecasting the circulation of the ocean and atmosphere, and the interaction between them, is a fundamental objective. This includes the surface gravity waves of the ocean. Well-constrained error estimates for state variables will be necessary for applications to societal issues. To meet the observational requirements, a wide variety of observing platforms are required, along with considerable enhancement of present spatial coverage. Similarly, to date no one model system has been used to represent the full physical system. Instead, a number of models are used that are then coupled, either through simple, one-way linkages or through more sophisticated two-way couplings. The following summarizes requirements for estimation of various components of the physical system in the coastal ocean, and outlines the phased approach to be followed in development of regional capabilities in these areas.

• Ocean circulation – requires observations and models of sea level, currents, temperature and salinity, and of conditions on the boundary of the ocean - winds, heat flux and fresh water flux (from the atmosphere and from river discharge). Good quality bathymetry is also important, and mixing rates (diapycnal and isopycnal) are also critical.
• Marine atmosphere- The marine atmosphere plays a critical role in forcing motion in the coastal ocean and must thus be accurately represented if a valid ocean forecast is to be obtained. Observations in the marine atmospheric boundary layer are very sparse in comparison to those over land.
• Surface waves– requires observations of winds, currents, directional wave spectra, and bathymetry. Of particular importance to the southeast is the role of surface waves in re-shaping the coastline, which requires repeated high-resolution bathymetric surveys in the nearshore. This may be an opportunity to leverage an effort to obtain improved bathymetry.
• Optics– Light propagation in the ocean plays a critical role in biology and photochemistry. Radiation measurements are also essential to refined heat budgets and is the basis for estimates of many other variables (e.g., all remotely sensed ocean color products; in situ and remote estimates of turbidity and particle concentrations). Accurate modeling of the light field requires observations of incoming light field and in-situ properties. Linking the observed and modeled light fields to regional assessments of primary productivity and biogeochemical processes (e.g., cross-shelf transport, sediment resuspension and transport) requires coupling to the physical circulation.

4.2.1.2 Biogeochemical and ecological processes

Information on physical conditions will provide the organizing framework around which RCOOS capabilities to address regional biogeochemical and ecological processes will be developed. This will include in situ and remote observations as well as modeling approaches. While there is considerable interest in further development of in situ sensors for chemical and biological properties, what is presently available for sustained field deployments is limited. For some sensors that are commercially available (e.g., for nutrients), unit costs and maintenance requirements can limit their application. Satellite remote sensing, and ocean color in particular, can provide information on a number of key biological and optical properties on a regional scale, and how the variability in these properties is coupled to physical processes. Given the challenges for algorithm development and validation in what are often optically complex coastal waters, evaluation of various products for specific applications will be required. Partnerships with other programs will likely be required for regional (and seasonal) remote sensing algorithm development and validation. One of the key initial contributions from the RCOOS will be to provide a strong context of physical observations and models for focused biogeochemical/ecological process studies in the SE region.

4.2.2 Product Development and Outreach

Based on initial input from users within each of the IOOS seven societal goal areas, SECOORA has established the following priority objectives to be addressed in the initial RCOOS system design and implementation:

4.2.2.1 More effectively mitigate the effects of natural* hazards:

• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into regional multi-hazard early warning and crisis management systems related to hurricanes, storm inundation, coastal erosion, rip currents, tsunamis, hazardous spills, search & rescue.
• Demonstrate the utility of ocean observing in hazard mitigation and disaster prevention applications.
• Facilitate education and access to existing information and products for hazard mitigation stakeholders.
• Raise user awareness of the availability and potential uses of coastal ocean observations for hazard mitigation and prevention.
• Identify and further refine hazard mitigation and disaster prevention user requirements for coastal ocean observations.

4.2.2.2 Reduce public health risks:

• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into regional public health prediction, warning and response programs related to water quality, harmful algal blooms, marine toxins, seafood contamination and beach closures.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observations for addressing human health issues.
• Facilitate education and access to existing information and products for public health stakeholders.
• Raise user awareness of the availability and potential uses of coastal ocean observations for human health.
• Identify and further refining human health user requirements for coastal ocean observations.

4.2.2.3 Improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations:

• Develop regional coastal ocean data and information system that directly meets the needs of the public and private sector entities that directly serve the various maritime operations communities.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of commercial shipping, cruise industry and port operations.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of the ocean engineering, construction and salvage industries.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of commercial fishing and aquaculture operations.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of recreation and tourism industries including beaches, lifeguards, boating, sailing, surfing, diving, fishing, water sports, resorts, and travel and tourism-related businesses.
• Facilitate education and access to existing information and products for maritime operations stakeholders.
• Raise user awareness of the availability and potential uses of coastal ocean observations for maritime operations.
• Identify and further refine maritime operations user requirements for coastal ocean observations.

4.2.2.4 Improve predictions of climate change and weather and their effects on coastal communities and the nation:

• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into public and private weather and climate prediction systems.
• Enhance and improve coupling of atmospheric and oceanographic modeling for improved weather and climate prediction capabilities.
• Encourage the development of advanced forecasting systems and data dissemination methods.
• Identify and further refine weather and climate change prediction requirements for coastal ocean observations.

4.2.2.5 Enable the sustained use of ocean and coastal resources:

• Develop regional coastal ocean data and information delivery system that directly meets the needs of the public and private sector entities that directly serve the various ocean and coastal resource management communities.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of coastal zone, shoreline, natural resources and forestry management.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing the needs of fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture management.
• Demonstrate the utility of coastal ocean observing data and information for addressing sustainable energy management.
• Facilitate education and access to existing information and products for resource management stakeholders.
• Raise user awareness of the availability and potential uses of coastal ocean observations for resource management.
• Identify and further refine weather and climate change prediction requirements for resource management.

4.2.2.6 Improve national and homeland security:

• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into national and homeland security applications for early warning and crisis management systems related to hurricanes, storm inundation, coastal erosion, rip currents, and tsunamis.
• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into national and homeland security applications for public health warning and response programs related to water quality, harmful algal blooms, marine toxins, seafood contamination and beach closures.
• Incorporate coastal ocean observing data and information directly into national and homeland security applications for weather and climate prediction systems.
• Incorporate coastal ocean data and information directly into national and homeland security applications for ocean and coastal resource management.

4.2.2.7 More effectively protect and restore healthy coastal ecosystems:

• Coordinate a regional operational scheme for coastal ocean ecosystems classification.
• Pursue regional standardization of coastal ocean ecosystems observing methods.
• Improve methods and tools for space-based and in-situ coastal ocean ecosystems observations

4.2.3 Data Management and Communications

Along with enhancing regional observing and modeling capabilities, a fundamental role of the RCOOS is that of aggregating and disseminating information. The RCOOS will act as a middleman in information exchange by coordinating information merger from providers within the region and serving as a clearing house for the aggregated information.

4.3 RCOOS Design Plan

Towards a Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System (RCOOS) Design for SECOORA

Summary

A conceptual design for the SE RCOOS is offered. It envisions support of a broad range of applications through the routine operation of a series of predictive models that rely on observations to ensure their validity. A distributed information management system enables information flow, and a centralized information hub serves to aggregate information regionally and distribute it as needed. A variety of observing assets are needed to satisfy the model requirements, and an initial distribution is proposed that recognizes the physical structure and forcing in the region. It includes in-situ data collection to provide 3D sampling, HF radar for synoptic sampling of surface currents, and satellite remote sensing of other ocean surface properties. Nested model systems are required to properly represent ocean conditions from the outer edge of the EEZ to the watersheds. The reliance on a vital National Backbone of observations, model products, and data management is obvious and highlights the needs for a clear definition of its components and Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Estimates of costs and personnel to sustain existing programs viewed as initial components of the RCOOS are included.

Outline

Background

Assumptions about Critical Design Issues

Anticipated Functions and Approaches

An Initial RCOOS Design

Observing Subsystem

Modeling/Prediction Subsystem

Information Management Subsystem

The Existing Elements

Observing Subsystem

Modeling/Prediction Subsystem

Information Management Subsystem

Recommendations to SECOORA

Observing Subsystem

Modeling/Prediction Subsystem

Information Management Subsystem

Criteria for Participation

An Initial RCOOS Budget

Background

The U.S. coastal ocean component (COOS) of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is envisioned to consist of a federal network (the “National Backbone”) of in situ and satellite remote sensing observational, predictive modeling, and data management elements that will be focused broadly on the national scale, as augmented by Regional Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (RCOOSs) that will be focused narrowly on the regional scale. The RCOOSs will be an integral component of their respective regional associations (RAs) of stakeholders (viz., data providers and users), which in turn will be members of the National Federation of Regional Associations (NFRA). As a pioneering activity associated with the regional development of COOS, the Southeast Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEACOOS) has considered the scientific and technical design criteria of the operational RCOOS that will be a central element of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA). SECOORA, and its RCOOS, are required to be fully interactive and interoperable with other regional associations (RAs), especially with the neighboring GCOOS for the Gulf of Mexico, CaRA for the Eastern Caribbean, and MACOORA for the mid-Atlantic, as well as with the National Backbone provided by the federal agencies. Discussed here are preliminary thoughts on planning the design of an RCOOS for SECOORA, some aspects of how this RCOOS may interact with the National Backbone, and how elements of the RCOOS will transition to certified, fully operational components of IOOS.

Assumptions about Critical Design Issues

• Federal agency (or community) plans for melding and evolving the National Backbone architecture, which is comprised initially of 153 component federal programs, will emerge soon so that fully credible plans for the RCOOS architecture can be developed.
• Standards and protocols for operational observational sub-systems, and the role of delayed-mode versus real-time observational system elements will be clarified; for example, the definition of real-time may be made application specific.
• A national level Concept of Operations (CONOPS) will be established soon, which will clarify how the National Backbone, national numerical ocean models, and national information management systems will interface with the RCOOS; e.g., will there be collocation, co-mingling of personnel; who will perform the forecaster functions; how much redundancy will be required to meet robustness and resilience standards; will there be national security issues; etc.?
• With a CONOPS, the balance to be achieved between centralized and distributed approaches (at both the national and regional levels) in observing, modeling/prediction, and information management sub-systems will become resolvable.
• Relief may be on the way: Thanks to the NOAA-sponosored IOOS system analyses presently underway, it is not unreasonable to anticipate that by 1 JAN 07, IOOS federal agencies will have resolved these critical issues sufficiently for RCOOS planning to move ahead to a higher level than is possible in this document at this time.

Anticipated Functions and Approaches

The RCOOS of SECOORA will be responsible for providing operational coastal oceanography information services for the states of NC, SC, GA, and FL. These services are broad, complex, and sophisticated, and the RCOOS will need to comprise a partnership among the academic, federal, state, and private sectors to fulfill them. A complete end-to-end system is needed that links researchers and system developers to managers of autonomous observing and modeling systems to national level providers of observations and model products to so-called “super-users” (e.g., NWS marine forecasters, value-added environmental information industry, The Weather Channel, and State Climatologists) who interface to a wide range of end-user societal applications.

The RCOOS will:

• Be designed following appropriate systems engineering principles including a holistic and quantified view of the prediction system performance; consideration of evolving user needs for information and information products; and attention to cost-benefit issues. Metrics will be established to quantify the incremental user benefits (e.g., through improved prediction products) for incrementally increased investment in the overall information and prediction system, as is done in operational meteorology.
• Be built upon an interactive, mutually supportive triad of in situ observations, satellite remote sensing, and predictive numerical modeling, with these components linked through sophisticated information management systems (IMS), all for the purposes of describing and quantifying coastal ocean conditions and predicting their future evolution.
• Analyze, on a continuing basis, the performance and adequacy of the National Backbone within the SECOORA domain and recommend its augmentation with additional, or upgraded components (e.g., platforms and sensors). Similarly, the performance and adequacy of national level model products and IMSs to serve SECOORA needs will be analyzed on a continuing basis, and recommendations for improvements will be provided to NFRA and Ocean.US.
• Conduct an R&D program, closely connected to the operational activity, to ensure an evolving and progressive RCOOS technological capability, an ongoing technical assessment of the RCOOS performance, and a periodic scientific assessment of the state of the SECOORA coastal ocean environment.

Many user communities will benefit from enhanced RCOOS information services. They are too numerous to enumerate in detail here (see Website for Ocean.US and SECOORA). However, for the foreseeable future, they can be categorized into three broad thematic application areas: Marine Operations and Emergency Management, Coastal Hazards, and Environmental and Ecological Management. Marine Operations and Emergency Management includes topics of safe and efficient ship routing, offshore oil and gas operations, fishing, and sand and gravel mining; effective search-and-rescue and hazardous material (oil and toxic chemical spills) mitigation operations; efficient offshore aquaculture, waste disposal, and energy operations, etc. Coastal Hazards includes topics of storm winds, precipitation, and waves; storm surge and coastal inundation; rip currents; and beach erosion. Environmental and Ecological Management includes topics of ecosystem-based fisheries management; design and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas; detection of global change; monitoring and prediction of water quality, hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms. Further, researchers and educators are not to be overlooked as recognized and legitimate users of IOOS who, respectively, provide useful feedback on the COOS system performance and the regional environmental and ecological systems on one hand, and build understanding of the natural system and societal issues and options, as well as awareness of SECOORA, etc. on the other hand.

Information on the physical environment (wind, waves, current, temperature, salinity, sea level, turbulence, etc.) constitutes the common denominator for all of these thematic application areas. However, the space-time resolution, spatial-temporal coverage, and timeliness required varies between applications. This information is essential even for ecosystem-based fisheries management because the functioning of marine ecosystems depends upon physical habitat attributes (e.g., temperature, salinity, current, and turbulence) and the horizontal and vertical advective and turbulent transports of nutrients and organisms. This type of information is by design the first to be incorporated into the RCOOS but must be accompanied by a growing list of chemical, biological and geological observations if the RCOOS is to satisfy its full mandate.

Predicted (simulated, hindcast, nowcast, and/or forecast) Lagrangian trajectories are also needed for most applications; e.g., search-and-rescue, oil spill mitigation, and fisheries management (e.g., design of Marine Protected Areas and estimation of larval dispersal) To be accepted as operational products, the predicted trajectories need to be accompanied by “error bars” (i.e., various estimates of uncertainty).

In addition to a continually operating (i.e., routine, strategic mode) predictive information system, the RCOOS will need a complementary contingency-based (i.e., event-driven, tactical mode) predictive information system with rapidly deployable, high-resolution sensing and modeling systems.

While real-time in situ and satellite and coastal HF radar remote sensing are essential ingredients for coastal ocean forecasting, numerical models are also necessary to provide assured spatial and temporal coverage, and for prediction capability (simulations, hindcasts, nowcasts, and forecasts). Mesoscale oceanic and atmospheric circulation, tidal, wind wave, ecosystem, sediment transport, and hydrological coupled models are required components.

In summary, the main goal of the RCOOS is to ensure the availability of environmental and ecological observed and predicted data adequate (timeliness, space-time resolution and coverage, accuracy, error metrics, variables, etc.) to meet the needs of the broad user community.

To achieve this goal, the principal objectives for the RCOOS are to ensure the existence and full interactions of (1) a progressive regional in situ observational sub-system network that delivers quality real-time, 3D data; (2) a progressive sub-system infrastructure for satellite and coast-based remote sensing data utilization that delivers synoptic surface 2D fields; (3) a progressive numerical ocean prediction sub-system that delivers 3D simulations, hindcasts, nowcasts and forecasts; and (4) a progressive information management sub-system that provides rapid access and/or delivery of information to a variety of users.

Given the main goal and principal objectives outlined above, the major functions for the RCOOS are:

• constitute the infrastructure required for the timely acquisition, access, and dissemination of observational and model/predicted data and information products describing the coastal ocean and surface marine weather conditions
• provide technical oversight to the implementation and ongoing operations of the distributed in situ observational sub-system, satellite remote sensing analysis sub-system, numerical modeling and prediction sub-system, and information management sub-system

• conduct the systems engineering analyses required for the evolution of the “system of systems”; e.g., perform coastal ocean Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to guide in situ observing system network refinements and designs; e.g., by weighing the merits of alternative observing systems.
• coordinate with the operators and managers of the National Backbone in the operation and evolution of the observational, modeling, and information management sub-ystems

• manage a R&D program to assess performance of prediction system components, detect changes in the natural systems, upgrade the prediction systems, and utilize the prediction systems, and to maximize the synergy between R&D and operations

• organize and conduct regional scale scientific observational and numerical experiments to advance understanding of natural systems, and to facilitate enhancements of the observing and modeling subsystems

• from time-to time, perform re-analyses with upgraded models, data assimilation schemes, and observational data bases to provide best estimates of ocean fields for diagnostic studies of climate variability, coastal ocean change, and regional system dynamics

• facilitate the development and growth of the regional value-added environmental industry

• implement guidance received from advisory groups or committees stood up by SECOORA.

Within an initial buildout plan, the majority of applications envisioned to be served by the RCOOS can be provided predictive capabilities through the development of a set of models:

Physical state models – includes circulation (3D time-varying representations of coastal ocean currents, sea level, temperature and salinity); waves (2D representation of the surface gravity wave field and sediment transport); marine atmosphere (3D time-varying representation of the coastal atmosphere). Enhanced spatial resolution can be provided and/or improved through nesting of models. The model set includes inundation models capable of wetting and drying that can accurately represent the flooding of lowlands during high-water events (hurricanes, extratropical cyclones, etc) which may or may not be the same as the circulation models.

Biogeochemical and ecosystem models – coupled to circulation models to provide prediction of nutrients and various trophic levels. Some exist but these models are complicated, have many free parameters and require a broad spectrum of observations to validate. Theses models will require years of work to develop true operational capabilities.

Socio-economic models – used to represent the role of humans in the ecosystem and to interface with management agencies. The models should include land-use, population distribution, infrastructure mapping, etc.

The aggregate need for the RCOOS is to support the model systems through adequate observations to validate and maintain model accuracy and by providing an information system that enables timely access to all information available from the region. Described below is a vision of what an initial system should look like.

The RCOOS must follow IOOS design principles; e.g., free exchange of data, adherence to community standards, and certification for operational status. The following first describes each of the RCOOS subsystems (viz., observational (in situ and satellite remote sensing), modeling/prediction, and information management), covering both the National Backbone and regional components, with an introduction and discussion of present assets and future directions. Next, some recommendations are provided to further the development of the RCOOS

An Initial Design

Development of a complete system will likely take decades; we herein describe an initial design, implemented over a 5-year timeline. Designing an RCOOS for the SE US that can effectively address the IOOS societal goals requires consideration of a number of factors, including the SE environmental/oceanographic setting, existing capabilities, and anticipated resources. Implementation of the SECOORA RCOOS will be an incremental process. Due to the range of temporal and spatial scales over which coastal ocean processes operate, use of both observations and models is essential for creation of a robust and multi-purpose estimation (or prediction) system. The range of applications implied by the broad societal goals for the IOOS also dictates that a "nested" strategy will be required for the allocation of resources. Some degree of subregional to local focus will also be required for the RCOOS to serve in an R&D role for the RA (e.g., conducting CODAE's, and providing technology testbeds).

While the initial focus for observations in the developing RCOOS will be physical variables, this does not imply this will serve only as a physical oceanographic estimation system. Rather, this reflects the present state of sensor development and maintenance issues for the existing biological and chemical sensors, and recognition of the importance of physical processes for driving biogeochemical and ecological processes. As more robust, cost-effective technologies become available for measuring chemical and biological properties, these will be incorporated into the RCOOS in a coordinated, multidisciplinary manner. Given the close coupling of physical processes with chemical and biological processes in the coastal ocean, an initial physics-based RCOOS observational design will also serve interdisciplinary needs, including implementing ecosystem-based management practices in the SE coastal ocean.

The intent of this section is to outline major design criteria for the SE RCOOS. This represents a starting point, recognizing that development of the RCOOS will occur in concert with the evolution of the National Backbone, and with input from the broad constituent base that will make up SECOORA. A preliminary RCOOS design is presented below that first considers key oceanic characteristics of the region, and the core variables required for a basic description of the physical system. This provides the rationale for an initial design scheme for the distribution of fixed shoreline and offshore in situ observational assets in the SE. How the basic design scheme complements existing elements of the National Backbone is noted. This is followed by a discussion of the important role that will be played by additional observational methods in the SE RCOOS, including coastal HF radar, satellite remote sensing, profiling floats and gliders, surface drifters, and vessels.

The observing subsystem

Design rationale. The basic design of an RCOOS for the SE US coastal ocean has to take into account a number of key geographic and physical characteristics of the region that control coastal ocean processes. These include:

• The presence of a western boundary current system (the Loop Current-Florida Current-Gulf Stream) along the shelf margin throughout most of the FL-GA-SC-NC coastal ocean, including the influence of its meandering jet and front and the mesoscale eddies it sheds;
• A wide range of shelf widths, from <10 km to >100 km;
• Several major estuaries and coastal lagoons that exchange physical and biogeochemical properties and biota with the open shelf;
• Variable input of freshwater to the coastal zone from distributed SE river (and groundwater) sources, with the additional influence of the Mississippi River on the region;
• Seasonal patterns of heating and cooling;
• The influence of synoptic weather systems, and especially major episodic storm events, including easterly waves and tropical cyclones in summertime and extratropical cyclones and frontal systems in wintertime, in producing coastal upwelling and downwelling and other transient flows;
• A highly variable diurnal and semidiurnal tide regime that is dominant in certain shallow water regimes.

The coastal ocean is inherently variable in time and space, thus a central objective of the RCOOS must be estimation of the fundamental properties (state variables) that characterize the condition of the coastal ocean, and are required for forecasting its future state. Oceanic variables include temperature, salinity, density, sea level height, pressure and velocity. Atmospheric variables include surface winds, surface heat and moisture fluxes, and sea level barometric pressure. Necessary boundary conditions for characterizing and forecasting the physical state of the coastal ocean also require estimates of net surface heat flux (measurements of short- and long-wave surface radiation, air and surface sea temperature, and relative humidity) and freshwater fluxes (evaporation, precipitation, river discharge, and groundwater discharge in some areas).

Since ocean processes are three-dimensional, time-dependent, and occur on many space-time scales, no single measurement system (in situ or remote) will be sufficient for describing any of the ocean state variables. A "multi-platform, multi-variable" observational approach will be required, integrated with models (including data assimilation approaches). Furthermore, the fundamental value of continuous time series data should be recognized in the design process, such that real-time telemetry systems are backed up with internal recording of data, and so that delayed-mode and historical data are also integrated into the regional data management structure.

Coastal Stations. Existing coastal stations, largely established by NOAA (NOS/CO-OPS NWLON and NWS/NDBC C-MAN), USGS. NPS, ACOE, etc. are geared primarily to sea level and coastal meteorology. These stations provide a solid foundation for further development of shore stations by the RCOOS, which should be approached in coordination/partnership with the NOAA and USGS entities and state and local coastal management and emergency response agencies. Augmentation of water level stations at commercial ports is warranted, since even small changes in water depth can impact the efficiency and safety of deep-draft vessel operations. Further regional partnering with the NOAA CO-OPS PORTS program could be an effective approach in this area. In terms of spatial coverage, there is a need for sufficient coastal water level stations to assess the predictive skill of both (1) high-resolution coastal inundation models, and (2) lower resolution coastal ocean circulation models. For coastal inundation/storm surge applications, there is a practical need to "over-sample" sea level, since many stations are subject to failure of instruments or communications during major storm events.

EEZ Assets. As noted above, the SECOORA domain includes regions with very narrow shelves (near DeSoto Canyon, Cape Hatteras and the SE Florida shelf from Key West to West Palm Beach) as well as broad, gently sloping shelves (off West Florida and in the central South Atlantic Bight). Obviously the deployment of observational assets will have to take this variability in shelf width and coastal ocean properties into account. For the broader shelf sub-regions, three basic sub-domains can be defined:

• A baroclinic outer shelf/slope zone where the physical state is directly influenced by the boundary current (Loop Current/Florida Current/Gulf Stream);
• An intermediate/mid-shelf zone, where circulation is largely forced by winds and tides;
• An inner shelf/coastal zone where the water column is shallow enough that there is interaction between surface and bottom Ekman layers and wind, wave, and tide forcing are significant; in many locations, there is also a zone in which the influence of relatively fresh estuarine outflows leads to buoyancy-driven alongshore flows

Based on the above considerations, a "strawman" array of moored or fixed platform offshore observing elements distributed over the SECOORA domain is advanced (Fig. 1). This consists of a series of cross-shelf deployments, at roughly 100 km spacing in the along-shelf direction, and linked, to the extent possible, to seaports, major topographic anomalies, and other special features. The along-shelf spacing of 100 km is needed to resolve variability in the circulation; many features of coastal circulation in the southeast occur at this scale or smaller (e.g. Florida Current and Gulf Stream meanders). For all but the narrowest shelves, each cross-shelf section would have three measurement sites, supplemented in the near-shore with additional deployments at major locations of estuarine outflow or population centers. The core set of instrumented buoys or platforms should all be equipped for measurements of temperature, salinity, current, wind, and some should be equipped to determine directional waves and net surface heat flux. Coordination with the National Backbone will be critical to deploying and maintaining an adequate array of slope and deep-water moorings, and a leading role for NDBC and associated federal agencies in establishing this portion of the regional network will be strongly encouraged by SECOORA.

Fig. 1. A suggested distribution of coastal and offshore observing sites in the SE coastal ocean. This includes the existing COMPS and SABSOON arrays.

[ comment: add other existing sites to a final version, NDBC, CaroCOOPs and CORMP in particular , info north of Hatteras , radars]

Additional moored and fixed platform in situ assets (not represented here) will be positioned in areas of regional and local interest (e.g., major ports and shipping lanes, inshore areas subject to shoreline erosion and rip currents, and Marine Protected Areas). Measured variables at these sites will necessarily be tailored to the local applications (e.g., directional waves, wind, and nearshore currents). There will also be a need for strategic (or “targeted”) observational arrays in critical locales to support the requirements of data assimilation. It is recognized that the RCOOS should provide some discretion in the organization of observational resources to serve local needs, and to best exploit available resources and infrastructure, including that supported by the National Backbone and state and local agencies.

Full water column measurements of current, temperature and salinity in each of the three coastal ocean regimes defined above are necessary to specify the flow and density fields. The surface and bottom Ekman layers warrant particular attention given their roles in cross-isobath exchange. Full water column measurements are also required to assess key processes, including boundary current interactions on the shelf-slope, exchange at the shelf break between the coastal ocean and the deep ocean, coastal responses to local wind forcing, and direct estuarine interactions with the coastal ocean.

Another essential observation throughout the coastal ocean domain is surface winds. Due to the complication of land-sea interactions, the quality of numerical weather predictions over the coastal ocean can often be compromised. Most in situ moorings or platforms should therefore be equipped with surface wind and barometric pressure sensors. The complete suite of sensors required for heat flux estimates (incoming short- and long-wave radiation, air and sea temperatures, relative humidity) should be supported at a distributed subset of the offshore sites.

Other ancillary measurements are recommended (although not required at all sites), the foremost among these being surface waves. Directional wave spectrum measurements at the shelf slope can provide the boundary conditions needed for coastal ocean wave models, and wave measurements nearshore can be used both to gauge the performance of these models and provide real-time data of immediate societal importance. Provisions for incorporation of additional chemical, geological and biological sensors, as these evolve, should also be included in the design of instrument, power, and communications packages.

Coastal HF Radar. Coastal HF radar mapping of surface currents provides one of the more important of the potential RCOOS measurement systems, offering a field of surface velocity vectors as opposed to the point measurements of fixed offshore assets. Two commercially available systems are operating in the SECOORA domain, CODAR and WERA, each offering varying range and resolution based on frequency and bandwidth. HF radar remains a topic area where the RCOOS can play an important role in technology assessment. Given the widely varying shelf width off the SE, and thus distance from shore to the boundary current front, it would be prudent to assess performance of the four HF radar testbeds now within the SECOORA domain before investing to provide coverage over the entire region. In addition to surface currents, continued evaluation of other potential products from HF radar (such as directional waves from WERA) should be pursued. The region should explore the use of a nested approach with a shorter-range, higher-resolution radar system embedded in a longer-range, lower-resolution radar system to support nearshore and offshore needs together. The region should also explore deploying radar systems on islands or offshore platforms and directing them shoreward to provide nearshore coverage that is otherwise difficult to obtain.

Satellite Remote Sensing. While not an asset class to be deployed, operated or controlled by the RCOOS, satellite remote sensing (SRS) represents an enormous resource for coastal ocean applications. Sea surface temperature (SST), surface ocean color products (including upper layer chlorophyll and suspended materials), sea surface height (SSH), surface winds and other products from passive and active satellite sensor systems are routinely available. Such SRS information is being used for assimilation into models and for descriptive purposes. While the satellite programs themselves are not an RCOOS function, RCOOS support for utilization of SRS data and production of enhanced products, tuned to regional applications, will provide strong justification for continued federal agency support of satellite missions targeting the coastal ocean. An RCOOS role in the support of regional capabilities for downloading, processing, and distributing satellite data, as well as for analysis products and presentation tools, will be critical for effective integration of the satellite information with in situ observations and application in regional modeling programs.

Profilers and Gliders. The conventional method for observing 3D fields of temperature, salinity, and other properties (such as chlorophyll and nutrients) is by ship survey. This method is, however, slow, costly, and typically in violation of the rudiments of sampling theory. Needed are techniques for synoptic mapping at intervals sufficient for assimilation into models, particularly for the internal density (T/S) field. (And there may be a role here for airborne surveys, particularly in a tactical mode.) Through a combination of profiling floats, moored profilers, and gliders it is possible to obtain regular mapping of the vertical and horizontal T/S structure, as well as that of other variables with the addition of appropriate sensors. Several systems are presently being assessed in field trials in the SE. As with HF radar, an important role for the RCOOS will be to conduct pilot, testbed projects to evaluate promising new observational technologies, such as various profiling systems.

Ship Transects. As the emergence of long-awaited, robust, accurate, automated biogeochemical sensors continues to be substantially delayed, it will be necessary to include some repeated, quasi-synoptic shipboard surveys. However, they should be designed, conducted, and analyzed in an optimal fashion together with the deployed observational elements, real-time prediction systems, and knowledge of sampling theory and natural variability. The university-based TRANSECTS program is a useful model of how a program may be implemented to serve a variety of purposes. As noted above, there may also be a role here for airborne surveys equipped with remote sensors, expendable profilers, and other air-deployable systems.

Volunteer Observing Ships. With the large volume of commercial shipping and recreational boating activity in the SE, it may be possible to obtain valuable, random coverage by installing automated instrumentation packages, as has been done in the International Sea Keepers program on a global scale.

Surface Drifters. Satellite-tracked surface drifters provide a quasi-Lagrangian view of surface circulation and, with caveats regarding their performance relative to Lagrangian trajectories (not necessarily surface-confined), provide excellent tools for surface trajectory analyses. And they are essential for establishing the error attributes of the predicted trajectories; conversely, they are invaluable for estimating the dispersive properties of varying coastal ocean circulation regimes. Nearshore deployments can be useful for filling data gaps in coastal HF radar coverage, and for examining connectivity between adjacent estuaries and sources of fresh water along many sections of the SECOORA domain.

The modeling subsystem

Because there do not presently exist mature regional-scale modeling systems we propose that the initial focus be on creating, testing and operationalizing model systems to predict the physical state of the coastal ocean and marine atmosphere. The three components to be emphasized are circulation modeling, mesoscale atmospheric modeling, and surface gravity wave modeling. In all cases, adequate resolution to address specific application is to be achieved through nesting of regional or subregional scale model within national model systems.

How best to achieve adequate resolution will need to be determined through thorough testing but at a minimum there should be some redundancy in effort. It is proposed that three modeling groups in each of the modeling components be supported initially.

The information management subsystem

Experience has shown that an information system which engages distributed information providers through standards to promote interoperability can provide a viable regional information management system. The common terminology for this type of construct is a services oriented architecture. Each of the observation and model data providers will be required to adhere to a set of standards and practices that enable information exchange among and between all the of partners. There is also a need to have a central aggregation site, or hub, that is the clearing house for standards and which maintains a database of the aggregated information. This central hub need not be physically located in a signal location but does require a single presence on the internet. Because of the volume of information involved and because of the dangers posed by hazards, it is strongly recommended that there be at least two physical locations that can support the central site activities. The two sites enable a minimum level of redundancy and fail-over capability in case of interruptions in services. The SECOORA Ocean Data Partnership adheres to these concepts and should be encouraged to enhance these recommendations.

The Existing System Elements

The observing subsystem

Introduction. To date, the development of the programs supporting the design, deployment, operation, and maintenance of the observational sub- systems has proceeded in an ad hoc fashion. While significant gaps still exist for spatial coverage and variables monitored, there has been an expansion of observational assets in the SE coastal ocean in recent years. The existing elements of the regional observational sub-systems are briefly reviewed below, focusing on sites that provide real-time observations of the coastal ocean and/or coastal atmosphere.

National Backbone Observing Subsystem. As outlined in the Second IOOS Development Plan (hoping for approval in FY06), a dozen or so federal agencies will contribute important in situ and satellite remote sensing observational components to the National Backbone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Geological Survey (USGS) are the major sources of physical observational data for the U.S. coastal zone and coastal ocean. NOAA's operational platforms in the SE are the responsibility of the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC, http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/) under the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Center for Operational Ocean Products and Services (CO-OPS, http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/) under the National Ocean Service (NOS). The NOAA NDBC now also imports appropriately formatted observations from non-NOAA entities, with data checked for quality and passed on to the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) of the World Weather Watch. Important satellite remote sensing information for regional applications is also obtained from various NOAA and NASA programs.

Fig. 2. The existing network of NOAA/NWS NDBC buoys and C-MAN stations, and NOAA/NOS NWLON coastal stations in the SE.

Major components of existing federal observational networks that will contribute to the National Backbone in the SE region include:

• NOAA NDBC meteorological buoys.

There are presently eight shelf or slope buoys and five deep-water buoys in the SE coastal ocean. These are primarily marine weather stations, reporting surface meteorological variables, sea surface temperature, and significant wave height. Several buoys also make directional wave measurements and NDBC has added salinity measurement and current profiling capabilities at two buoys in the South Atlantic Bight.

• NOAA NDBC Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations.

These are fixed platform or shore stations, at eighteen sites in the SE. These are primarily weather stations, with some sites also reporting surface ocean conditions (including sea temperature, salinity, water level, and significant wave height). Six stations in the Florida Keys have been enhanced with additional sensors (e.g., dissolved oxygen) through the SEAKEYS program (Florida Institute of Oceanography in cooperation with NDBC).

• NOAA CO-OPS water level stations.

Part of the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON), water level is reported from thirty-eight sites in the SE. Many also provide meteorological observations.

• NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) monitoring sites.

The NERR program, with seven reserves in the SE region, is actively expanding ongoing monitoring efforts to include real-time observations.

• USGS river gauges.

As part of an extensive national network, some fifty-six USGS stations provide on-line, real-time information for estuarine and coastal sites in the SE. In addition to stream flow and/or water level, many sites also report meteorological and water quality variables.

Several subregional observational programs are also operated by federal entities in the SE, including:

• The NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Program.

Part of a coordinated effort with federal and state programs associated with the Florida Bay and Everglades restoration programs. It has now evolved into the South Florida Real-Time Observing System (SF-ROS).

• The NOAA AOML Western Boundary Current time series.

Submarine cable measurements, supported through the NOAA Office of Global Programs, provide daily mean transport estimates for the Florida Current at 27N.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (FRF).

Located at Duck, NC, the FRF specializes in nearshore measurements, including directional waves.

Regional Observational Subsystem. A number of real-time observational sub-systems in the SE US are operated by academic institutions, several through inter-institutional partnerships. The addition of these regional systems has contributed considerably to the national observing assets, both in terms of spatial coverage and in the range of variables measured. Programs presently providing real-time in situ and remote sensing observations (coastal HF radar, as well as up-to-date satellite data retrieval/processing) are listed below:

• The Southeast Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEACOOS) is a partnership that has linked several pre-existing subregional programs operated by academic institutions:

  • The Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMPS) operated by the University of South Florida (USF) maintains a network of buoys, shore stations and coastal HF radar sites, using CODAR. USF also operates the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS, a NOAA/NOS CO-OPS program) in Tampa Bay, and through its satellite download and processing facilities, the USF Institute for Marine Remote Sensing (IMARS) contributes up-to-date satellite imagery and analysis products to the SEACOOS data portal. Through its Center for Ocean Technology (COT), USF has also developed a Bottom Stationed Ocean Profiler (BSOP) for automomous profiling of temperature, salinity, and other coastal ocean variables. Imagery from both IMARS and other satellite data providers is also used for a variety of circulation-related products.
  • The University of Miami operates a coastal HF radar testbed using WERA in SE Florida, providing real-time surface current coverage over the width of the Straits of Florida, as well as evaluation of HF radar performance and potential new products (including directional waves). As part of the testbed, UM has been developing an autonomous, telemetric profiling CTD/ADCP system (called SWAMP).
  • The South Atlantic Bight Synoptic Offshore Observational Network (SABSOON), maintained by the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO), utilizes the infrastructure of a set of offshore Navy towers (part of a flight training range) to make real-time meteorological and oceanographic measurements. SkIO has also partnered with the Georgia Institute of Technology (Savannah campus) for the deployment of a near-shore directional wave buoy near the Savannah River entrance.
  • The University of South Carolina (USC) maintains two stations in SC for near-shore directional wave and current measurements. USC is also partnering with SkIO in the deployment of a coastal HF radar system using WERA for the central SAB off SC and GA.
  • The University of North Carolina operates the North Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing System (NCCOOS) which includes a coastal HF radar system using CODAR on the Outer Banks and a buoy near Cape Lookout, and has deployed an autonomous meteorological package on one of the Navy towers off GA.
• The Carolinas Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (Caro-COOPS).

Caro-COOPS is a partnership between the USC, North Carolina State University (NCSU), and the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW). Five offshore moorings reporting real-time meteorological and oceanographic data and three shorebased meteorological stations are presently maintained. The latter include water level gauges installed in coordination with NOAA CO-OPS.

• The Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program (CORMP) is a partnership between UNCW and NCSU.

CORMP is expanding an existing monitoring program to include real-time observations. Presently three real-time buoys and one pier station report in the Cape Fear/Onslow Bay area of NC, and an additional buoy is scheduled for deployment in early 2006 (?????). One of the buoys has been deployed in partnership with NDBC and the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejune, NC.

Several other institutions and organizations are presently providing real-time observations in the SE, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (directional wave and wind measurements at Melbourne Beach, FL), and Florida Institute of Technology (meteorological and directional wave information at Sebastian Inlet, FL). A number of coastal weather stations operated by WeatherFlow Inc. in the region make real-time, but proprietary, observations.

There will be a growing demand for environmental and ecological information from the estuaries, coastal lagoons, etc. There is much activity and many actors in such domains already, so there will be complexity in adding a regional perspective to the approaches now in play. However, this will be an area of long-term growth in demand, and, thus, an unavoidable opportunity for SECOORA and its RCOOS.

The modeling/prediction subsystem

Introduction. As with observational systems, the federal agencies, primarily Navy and NOAA, will provide operational model products on a national scale with regional resolution as part of the National Backbone. The various RCOOSs will downscale those model products (by nesting) to the much higher resolution necessary to address processes and phenomena of importance within the regions. When SEACOOS commenced in 2002, there was only one National Backbone operational model product available, the Regional Ocean Forecasting System (ROFS) from NCEP. Its domain extends from north of the Straits of Florida to the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Due to its uncertain quality, and lack of outside community involvement, it has not been often used except for preparing Gulf Stream frontal analyses downstream of Cape Hatteras. There were no operational regional prediction systems in the Southeast at that time, although there had been a first-generation system at UM for the Straits of Florida a decade earlier.

National Backbone Modeling/Prediction Subsystem. A coherent effort has yet to be made to define the National Backbone for COOS modeling/prediction systems. However, in an ad hoc fashion, an initial, partial capability has emerged recently. For example, the Global Navy Coastal Ocean Model (Global NCOM or G-NCOM) has been running as a quasi-operational prediction system for a few years at NAVO, and, since 1 OCT 04, its output has been available to the civilian community through NCDDC; it was officially declared operational in FEB 06.. Similarly, in late DEC 05, NCEP declared its Atlantic-HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model) prediction system operational, complete with disclaimers related to uncertainties in the quality of its initial implementation. In parallel, the Coast Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL), together with the Center for Operational Ocean Products and Services (CO-OPS), both of NOS, has been implementing operational estuarine models and prediction systems, and now shelf models and prediction systems. Within the SECOORA footprint, they have partially functional systems in Tampa Bay and St. Johns River.

Regional Modeling/Prediction Subsystem. In view of the relatively large size of the SECOORA domain, its complexity, and the distributed modeling expertise in the region, the SEACOOS modeling activity has been organized around three natural subregions: the West Florida Shelf (WFS at USF), East Florida Shelf (EFS at RSMAS), and the Georgia-Carolina Bight (GCB at UNC-CH). The WFS, EFS, and GCB models have been implemented in overlapping domains for several numerical and dynamical reasons, not the least of which is that it facilitates cross-validation activities. The modeling focus has been on circulation modeling for the stratified, open coastal ocean (continental shelf and slope), though there is some effort in tidal and storm surge modeling and estuarine modeling. The emphasis has been on implementing, evaluating, and evolving quasi-operational (i.e., automated, continually operating) baroclinic nowcast/forecast systems with mesoscale-admitting resolution of several km or less. Because the shelf regions are so strongly forced by “weather cycle” winds and atmospheric pressure, as well as tides, the forecasts are made for a few days, coinciding with the extent of high mesoscale atmospheric numerical predictability.

The circulation models are forced by (1) the eight principal tides (four diurnal and four semi-diurnal) with tidal amplitudes and phases on open boundaries determined from community global tidal models; (2) synoptic surface atmospheric pressure, surface winds, and surface heat flux determined from operational numerical weather predictions by the NCEP NAM-eta model (12 km, 1 hr) with 84-hr forecasts updated 3-hourly; and (3) open boundary conditions from either climatology initially and now synoptic basin-scale or global relatively coarse-resolution models. {River runoff forcing, based on climatology, is also used by some groups. With the availability of real-time runoff data anticipated in the foreseeable future, all groups are expected to use such synoptic freshwater discharge data.} The three subregional groups are making Lagrangian surface trajectory estimates and are also making some exploratory efforts with ecosystem and sediment transport modeling. A priority is to continue refining the computational grids to more fully encompass and resolve the nearshore waters, coastal lagoons, and estuaries.

The USF group has utilized the Princeton Ocean Model (POM), Rutgers Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM), and the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). The RSMAS group has utilized POM exclusively. The UNC-CH group has utilized the Dartmouth barotropic unstructured, finite element grid model (QUODDY) and HYCOM, plus an unstratified, finite element grid model (ADCIRC) for tidal and storm surge modeling.

Though starting from different historical and technical backgrounds, the three modeling groups have attempted to move ahead in a parallel fashion as much as possible. For example, all groups implemented 3D unstratified (barotropic) wind-driven and tidal-driven models in a quasi-operational fashion. Though this exercise was not fully realistic without stratification and the baroclinic Gulf Stream System, it was useful for bringing each group into alignment with tidal constituents utilized, time synchronization, graphics, etc. It also led to a melded, real-time product on display at the SEACOOS Website, though its practical value is limited to well-mixed zones where the circulation dynamics are dominated by tidal currents and wind-forcing. However, this experience paves the way for the collective display of baroclinic model output with comprehensive dynamics and ocean phenomena. Additionally, model output is available by ftp in NetCDF format for “super users” from the DODS servers in the individual modeling institutions.

Presently, USF is running a baroclinic WFS-ROMS nested into the NRL 1/12^th degree North Atlantic-HYCOM (known as COMPS) quasi-operationally with 84-hr forecasts using weekly updates of open boundary conditions from HYCOM and daily updates of local atmospheric forcing and posting results daily on the Web. UM is running baroclinic EFS-POM (known as EFSIS) quasi-operationally with daily updates of 84-hr forecasts of open boundary conditions from NAVOCEANO’S Global-NCOM and posting results daily on the Web. UNC is preparing to run a baroclinic QUODDY implementation nested within a HYCOM sub-domain which supplies initial hydrographic fields and boundary conditions; daily Web-postings of 3-day forecasts for the region from northeastern Florida to the North Carolina-Virginia border are planned.

Much model verification and validation activity, using in situ and remote sensing observations, is presently in progress. However, the need in some areas to add more vertical resolution (especially in the surface and bottom boundary layers to support applications models) and horizontal resolution (especially over the inner shelf to address smaller mesoscale eddies and fronts) is apparent. The circulation models need to be extended to cover more of the estuaries and coastal lagoons, and there are ongoing diagnostic studies in some regions that need to be continued. More elaborate ecosystem and sediment transport models will be needed, as well as wind wave, mesoscale atmospheric, and hydrological models. Methods of 4D data assimilation will need to be introduced in the near future for many purposes, including participation in CODAE (Coastal Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment) and the conduct of OSSEs (Observing System Simulation Experiments). However, there is still a shortage of appropriate observations for data assimilation in the SEACOOS domain. Data assimilation at the present time consists of nudging modeled SSTs to observed values in order to correct for incomplete surface heat flux data.

SEACOOS also has other diagnostic modeling programs ongoing for hurricane storm surge inundations (e.g., a Hurricane Charley hindcast for the Charlotte Harbor estuary and hypothetical hurricane simulations for Tampa Bay) and for estuarine and inner shelf interactions (e.g., Tampa Bay and Biscayne Bay).

There are several other coastal ocean modeling efforts in the SE, but not all of them have an operational orientation or even expectation. However, NCSU has an extensive modeling effort focused on storm surge, coastal inundation, wind, and wave prediction. Some elements of this modeling effort are moving towards operational capability in the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound, Charleston Harbor, and the Cape Fear sub-subregion. The NCSU COOS efforts are linked primarily with Caro-COOPS and CORMP. SURA/SCOOP’s program for storm surge modeling is another academic quasi-operational modeling activity.

The information management subsystem

Introduction. The Information Management component of the IOOS is fundamental to its entire operation, in that it will provide the network of regional-to-global systems that enables the collection, aggregation, accessing, utilization, archival, and dissemination of data and information products. To advance the IOOS Data Management and Communications (DMAC) Subsystem, it will be necessary to establish a coordinated and cooperative network among the various regional systems and the users of IOOS products. It will also be necessary to establish a range of new capacities to establish this network and ensure its functionality at a range of temporal and spatial scales. The IOOS DMAC is envisioned to comprise the following components (First IOOS Development Plan, 2005):

• Metadata. These data describe data sets for the national system, including development and use of a common vocabulary, identification of required metadata fields, agreement upon sites for publication of metadata, and commitment to publish metadata in a timely fashion.
• Data Discovery. The capacity for searching and locating desired data sets and products and for manipulating accessed data must be established.
• Data Transport. Data and products must be capable of transport over the Internet in a transparent, interoperable manner.
• On-Line Browse. Data must be readily accessed and evaluated through common Web browsers.
• Data Archive. Mechanisms for secure, short-term and long-term data storage must be established.
• Data Communications. The communications infrastructure for accessing and transporting data and data products must be identified and maintained to meet standards..

National Backbone Information Management Subsystem. The various existing federal programs that will help constitute the establishment of the National Backbone; e.g. NDBC, NWLON, NERRS, NCEP, NCDDC, NODC, NCDC, etc. have their own systems for managing data. Substantial work is required to ensure interoperability among these systems and the various emerging RAs. DMAC has provided guidance to facilitate interoperability, but development of coherent protocols, processes, and infrastructure is also required.

Various federal (and state) agencies have important bathymetric/topographic, geological, benthic habitat, socio-economic, satellite imagery, etc. digital databases in the coastal zone suitable for GIS renditions, etc. A need to aggregate them regionally is anticipated, and this may become a National Backbone activity.

Regional Information Management Subsystem. Regional and subregional observing systems in the SECOORA region have established a number of the necessary components described by IOOS DMAC. Where the capability for addressing specific requirements does not yet exist, progress has been made in identifying and characterizing those needs, with a view towards “filling the gaps.” In general, efforts focused primarily in SEACOOS, with support from Caro-COOPS, have established a system that enables the aggregation, access, and dissemination of real-time and delayed-mode data from in situ observations, model output, and remotely sensed imagery. This aggregation and subsequent visualization of distributed data requires development of a process that can be utilized by other regional and subregional systems, and can help the community push towards interoperability. The steps being taken to establish this system of aggregated data include:

• Inventory of existing and potential data types.
• Identification of standard data ontologies, file formats, and transport protocols.
• Software for data applications and for interfacing different applications; e.g., Web mapping.
• Database schemas for the variety of data types.

Also essential is the appropriate hardware for the system, at both centralized hubs and distributed data providers. A basic hardware infrastructure is in place within SEACOOS, but this does not include provisions for redundancy and back-up. The prevalence of severe tropical cyclones in the SE, and their frequent disruption of communication and power systems for several days, is a hazard that needs to be taken into account in designing the SECOORA-RCOOS. An offsetting factor is that it would be very rare for a hurricane to disrupt power and communication systems throughout the entire region, especially simultaneously. Hence, there is a possibility of designing a resilient regional system.

The following briefly describes the current status of the required DMAC elements identified by IOOS:

Metadata - The generation of metadata, or “data about data”, is essential, but is one of the major bottlenecks in developing a community data management effort. There is a historical reluctance for data providers to document metadata consistently, and the IOOS community has not yet adopted a set of standards and requirements for metadata documentation. A starting point for identification of standards is the Federal Geographic Data Committee approved Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998) (CSDGM) that is the primary standard for the description of spatial data and is mandated for use by federal granting agencies. However, it is limited in the types of data that it addresses, and its implementation is not “user friendly.” Thus, steps are being taken within SEACOOS and Caro-COOPS to enlarge metadata documentation capabilities through consideration of additional standards and markup languages (e.g. Marine XML, SensorML). SEACOOS and Caro-COOPS have also been developing a tool – Meta-Door -- that facilitates the creation of metadata documentation by non-technical (and technical) data providers. The development of the initial phase of Meta-Door (http://nautilus.baruch.sc.edu/twiki_carocoops/bin/view/Metadoor/WebHome) is complete, allowing users to manage their FGDC-oriented record data. The data management community in the SE also needs to interface with other groups addressing metadata standards issues to ensure nation-wide continuity. These include (1) the Cooperative Ocean/Atmosphere Research Data Service (COARDS; http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/people/julia.collins/coop/, a NOAA/university cooperative for the sharing and distribution of global atmospheric and oceanic research data sets ; (2) the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC; http://www.opengeospatial.org/ ), non-profit, international, voluntary consensus standards organization working on development of geospatial and location-based services standards, and (3) the Marine Metadata Interoperability Initiative (MMI; http://marinemetadata.org/ ), a relatively new NSF-funded community-based initiative focusing on metadata standards.

Data Discovery -To search and access RCOOS data and information products, it is essential that the metadata are accessible, as in a central clearing house, and that both data and metadata adhere to standards that enable searching and location of desired information. For SEACOOS, some essential standards and protocols have been identified for dealing with the SEACOOS, Caro-COOPS, and CORMP ocean observations data. First, a “draft data dictionary” has been created to provide a standard vocabulary for SEACOOS data. Second, a SEACOOS “NetCDF (network Common Data Form) Standard” has been developed, which describes a set of conventions and standards, including netCDF format categories, required variables, and required and recommended attributes for all data. Adoption of SEACOOS CDL provides sufficient conformity to enable automated search and aggregation tools, and yet is flexible enough to deal with many different data sources and enable data aggregation in near real-time. These “tools” are readily available for use by the broader community.

Data Transport - Data formatting and transfer processes have been assessed and adopted by the SEACOOS and Caro-COOPS data management teams. Advanced protocols that have been assessed, incorporated, or adapted, as appropriate, include the following: assessment of DODS/OPeNDAP; utilization of MapServer Internet mapping techniques for integrated data discovery and display; establishment of both netCDF and Relational Data Base (RDB) DODS servers; and establishment of data transfer processes through GIS or OpenGIS Consortium (OGC) Web Mapping Service (WMS)/Web Feature Service (WFS) protocols.

On-Line Browse - Virtually all observing and modeling subsystems in the SECOORA area have established Web portals for dissemination of data and metadata. These exhibit various levels of functionality and complexity, and available features include the aggregation of (near) real time data and access to a variety of data visualization products such as graphs, maps, and relevant images. Data can be retrieved through specification of parameters and spatial and temporal requirements, and choices are often provided for raw data or a variety of data products. Web sites also often provide information on user application