GCOS GOOS WCRP/OOPC IX/3 

page 24 

operating on  GCOS  

reference stations where 

appropriate. 

Ocean 

Satellite 

IOCCG 

IOCCG serves as 

Coordinate in situ observing 

Colour 

missions 

data portal. 

needs with developing ocean 

adequate for 

carbon observing system: 

medium term 

where appropriate, enhance 

SOOP and TS activities with 

required measurements as 

prioritized by IOCCG. 

(2004/2005) 

Italicized text indicates that actions are under discussion. 

1.

Ocean carbon data management activities for SOOP and time series are also coordinated with the 

IFREMER Coriolis data projects (Argo, GOSUD, OTS) through a common expert, Thierry Carval, at 

Ifremer. Coordination as of April 2004 includes Carval participation at data workshop with input to 

Carbon SOOP data formats and exchange agreements, and communication links to GOSUD project. 

For more information and national / international planning documents, visit 

http://ioc.unesco.org/ioccp

. 

There is now reasonably comprehensive information about ocean carbon activities and 

plans, and the ocean carbon community is in agreement about the goals for an ocean carbon 

observing  system.  The  major  next  step  for  the  system  elements  is  to  develop  an  agreed 

strategy for the system that would provide a metric for gauging the progress in the creation of 

a system capable of meeting the product goals. The strategy for the global carbon survey from 

repeat hydrographic sections and the core and ancillary measurements required on each line 

will be developed within the year. The strategy for the surface ocean pCO

2

 network will begin 

with a re analysis of the sampling requirements needed for surface pCO

2

 to be able to make 

annual global air sea flux estimates to +/  10% (0.2 Pg C / yr). This network will undoubtedly 

require  a  multi system  approach  that  includes  VOS  operations,  drifters,  and  time  series 

measurements,  and  the  development  of  an  implementation  strategy  for  a  sustained  system 

from a variety of platforms will be challenging.  

Hood noted that previous OOPC  sessions have  called for the development of a pilot 

effort for ocean carbon, and that the IOCCP has already been working closely with the OOCP 

this past year in the development of the adequacy report and implementation plans for GCOS, 

as well as similar efforts for the IGOS P Integrated Global Carbon Observations Theme and 

GEO. While it has been agreed informally that the IOCCP is  GOOS Carbon  and is a pilot 

effort of OOPC, this has never been officially agreed or documented. 

The  OOPC  thanked  Hood  for  her  presentation  and  expressed  enthusiasm  about  the 

developing ocean carbon network. The Panel discussed some of the technical difficulties of 

the underway pCO

2

 systems and how these are currently hindering expansion of the number 

and  spatial  coverage  of  the  lines  and  integration  with  the  VOSClim  program.  The  Panel 

agreed  that  the  IOCCP  should  be  considered  as  a  pilot  effort  of  the  OOPC  and  that  ocean 

carbon issues for GOOS and GCOS should be coordinated through the IOCCP in cooperation 

with OOPC. 

7.4.10 Biogeochemistry 

Tommy  Dickey  provided  a  brief  introduction  to  the  International  Geosphere 

Biosphere Program (IGBP). His full presentation is available on the meeting website. IGBP 

programs  of  relevance  to  OOPC  activities  include:  Land Ocean  Interactions  in  the  Coastal 

Zone (LOICZ 2), Surface Ocean Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS), and Integrated Marine 

Biogeochemistry  and  Ecosystem  Research  (IMBER).  IMBER  builds  upon  and  extends 

research  conducted  during  the  Joint  Global  Ocean  Flux  Study  (JGOFS)  and  the  Global