From Beach Towels to Rescues at Sea: How Ocean Observing Data Is Used

Ocean data reaches further into everyday life than most people realize. A store manager deciding whether to stock hurricane supplies or beach towels may be relying on it; so may a rescue crew searching for someone lost at sea.

Hurricane damage. Coastal communities use ocean observing data to prepare for floods and other natural disasters. Credit: NOAA.

Who collects it

NOAA coordinates the collection of ocean data through the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS®, a partnership of federal, regional and private-sector organizations. It helps the nation track, predict, manage and adapt to changes in the marine environment.

Better weather forecasts

IOOS data is improving our understanding of how the ocean drives storms, which lets meteorologists make earlier and more accurate forecasts. Store managers use those forecasts to decide what to stock. Fishermen use weather and water data to decide when it is safe to go to sea.

Tracking currents in near real time

With high-frequency radar and other technology, IOOS scientists can follow ocean currents in near real time. Knowing the speed and direction of surface currents lets search and rescue crews work out the likely path of people lost at sea and find them faster.

Spills and blooms

Maps of surface currents also support:

• Oil spill response. Real-time data shows how the water is moving — and so how the spill is moving — so responders can track oil slicks.
• Harmful algal bloom monitoring. Current data helps forecasters predict the movement and size of blooms, so they can act to reduce health risks to people who could be affected.
• Water quality assessments.

Sources

Based on "How is ocean observing data used?" from NOAA's National Ocean Service, a work of the United States government in the public domain.