Observations
Observations
The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth – covering almost 70% of the surface of the planet, and it is still largely unexplored. If we are ever to truly understand its elusive processes and achieve Net Zero by 2050 per the EU Green Deal, we need more data.
This is especially important now, as we face the effects of climate change caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere, with the burning of fossil fuels being the main culprit. We know that the ocean takes up to 25% of these emissions; if this was not the case, the impacts of climate change would be stronger. It is therefore important to accurately quantify ocean CO2 uptake and improve estimates for forecasting. TRICUSO seeks to achieve this by improving methods and coordination within the observation community, and obtaining more measurements in the under-observed region of the Southern Ocean.
PLATFORMS
TRICUSO is curating a sensible modern observation system, comprising autonomous platforms, Argo Floats, citizen science platforms (racing yachts, cruise liners and other ships of opportunities) and research vessels, all of which will support trials of technical innovations toward the delivery of high quality data.
Biology
TRICUSO will build a strong collaboration between the RIs and and GO-SHIP to contribute toward a Bio-GO-SHIP strategy that demonstrates how systematic, whole-ocean observations, key to the understanding of ocean carbon cycling, can be supported in the current observation system.
“It is crucial to explore novel and innovative ways of making observations in the Southern Ocean. The infrastructure developments within TRICUSO will strengthen the network and the GCB efforts.”
Judith Hauck
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This work was funded by the European Union under grant agreement no. 101188028. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
