Long time series measurements in the coastal ocean : a workshop

Abstract

Existing long time series efforts can be readily augmented by addition of existing sensors, enhancing their scope and impact. Significant benefits would result from multidisciplinary measurements to document long-term trends in physical as well as other variables. Standard observations as well as a diversity of approaches and measurements should comprise the suite of long-term measurements. Sites for long-term observations should be selected to define processes, represent major and diverse oceanographic systems, and to document pristine as well as stressed systems. The initial rationale for sites and observed properties must be clearly defined to avoid monitoring for monitoring's sake. In the long term, three-dimensional zones ("corridors") of long time series measurements might be created. Long time series measurements should be supplemented with process and modeling studies to ensure appropriate rationale and to provide a regional understanding for the site-specific observations. The Coastal Ocean Processes Program (CoOP) might provide some of these studies.