IOOS: The Network That Connects America's Ocean Observations

Plenty of instruments were already watching the ocean. What was missing was a way to bring their data together. The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS®, is a coordinated network of people and technology that gathers and shares data on the nation's coastal waters, Great Lakes and oceans — in one common system.

Three ten-meter hurricane buoys before deployment — one of many kinds of tool that collect ocean data. Credit: NOAA.

What it collects, and how

IOOS brings together coastal and marine data such as water temperature, water level, currents, winds and waves. That data comes from many different tools:

• satellites
• buoys
• tide gauges
• radar stations
• underwater vehicles

Some of these instruments are in the water, some on land and some in space, working at global, national, regional and local scales. Most of what they collect is streamed into a database, which makes it easier to reach.

Why one system matters

Many of these tools existed before IOOS. Its value is the single system that connects all of their data, so scientists can quickly find what they need to track, predict, manage and adapt to changes in the marine environment.

What the data is used for

IOOS data supports environmental work such as tracking harmful algal blooms, and emergency response such as search and rescue. By improving understanding of the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes, it helps decision makers improve safety, strengthen the economy and protect the environment.

Sources

Based on "What is IOOS®?" from NOAA's National Ocean Service, a work of the United States government in the public domain.