Illuminating the Hidden Planet The Future of Seafloor Observatory Science (2000) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-14
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
. For the purpose of this report the term "seafloor observatories" is used to describe an unmanned system of instruments, sensors, and command modules connected either acoustically or via a seafloor junction box to a surface buoy or a fiber optic cable to land.
|
From page 2... ...
. SCIENTIFIC MERIT OF SEAFLOOR OBSERVATORIES Seafloor observatories could offer earth and ocean scientists unique new opportunities to study multiple, interrelated processes over timescales ranging from seconds to decades; to conduct comparative studies of regional processes and spatial characteristics; and to map whole-earth and basin-scale structures.
|
From page 3... ...
DYNAMICS OF OCEANIC LITHOSPHERE AND I MAGING EARTH'S I NTERIOR Many of Earth's dynamic tectonic systems will be difficult to understand fully without a continuous observational presence provided by the establishment of seafloor observatories. These include the complex magmatic and tectonic systems operating at ridge crests and submarine volcanoes; the genesis of destructive earthquakes and tsunamis at subduction zone megathrusts and their relationships to large-scale plate motions, strain accumulation, fault evolution, and subsurface fluid flow; the geodynamics of Earth's interior and the origin of Earth's magnetic field; and the motion and internal deformation of lithospheric plates.
|
From page 4... ...
It is difficult to assess the full impact of these inputs without being able to quantify the fates and transports of materials through the coastal zone. These transports are critical for the understanding of such factors as how the coastal ocean influences biogeochemical cycles and how turbulence in the coastal zone influences primary .
|
From page 5... ...
on marine populations, and the formation of barriers to genetic exchange that result in speciation. TECH N ICAL F=ASI Bl LITY AN D REQUI REM ENTS FOR SEAFLOOR OBSERVATORIES Relatively capable moored-buoy and cabled observatory systems are in use today, while the more complex systems that are needed should become feasible when sufficient engineering development resources are devoted to key infrastructure elements.
|
From page 6... ...
is not sufficiently advanced to take substantial advantage of the proposed observatory infrastructure and many sensors will need considerable development before they can be expected to operate unattended for long periods of time in an observatory setting. If an ocean observatory infrastructure is to be established, a substantial parallel investment in sensor technology will be necessary.
|
From page 7... ...
A distributed data management system is desirable, in order to take advantage of existing data management facilities to the extent possible. BENEFITS AND RISKS OF ESTABLISHING A SEAFLOOR OBSERVATORY NETWORK The establishment of a network of seafloor observatories will represent a new direction in ocean science research, and one that will require a major investment of resources over many decades.
|
From page 8... ...
ILLUMINATING THE HIDDEN PLANET tion of mineral and fishery resources, and the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and harmful algal blooms; · improved access to oceanographic and geophysical data, enabling researchers anywhere in the world to study the oceans and earth in real-time or near real-time by providing basic observatory infrastructure with a wide variety of sensors: · establishment of permanent observation sites over the 70 percent of Earth's surface covered by oceans, to provide truly global geophysical and oceanographic coverage not possible with observations limited to continental or island stations; · development of new experimental approaches and observational strategies for studying the deep sea; · enhancement of interdisciplinary research for improving the understanding of interactions between physical, biological, and chemical processes in the oceans; · establishment of observational resources as fully funded facilities, with the use of and access to these facilities being determined by peerreviewed proposals; and · increased public awareness of the oceans through new educational opportunities for students at all levels, using seafloor observatories as a platform for public participation in real-time experiments. POTENTIAL RISKS The potential risks associated with the establishment of a seafloor observatory program include: · installation of poorly designed and unreliable observatory systems if program and project planning and risk management are inadequate, technical expertise is lacking, and/or engineering development resources are insufficient; · potential interference between experiments resulting from inadequate design, coordination, and/or testing of scientific instrumentation; · inefficient use of resources if important technological questions are not adequately resolved before major investments in observatory infrastructure are made: · possible compromise in system performance if critical technologies (e.g., satellite telemetry systems and development of some sensor types)
|
From page 9... ...
Seafloor observatories represent a promising approach for advancing basic research in the earth and ocean sciences and for addressing societally important issues. The establishment of a major seafloor observatory program will require some philosophical and intellectual reorientation within the oceanographic community, building on and complementing the more traditional focus on ship-based mapping and sampling programs.
|
From page 10... ...
Program management should strive to incorporate the best features of previous and current large programs in the earth, ocean, and planetary sciences. The development of a program and project implementation plan should include a comprehensive definition of the management and science advisory structure for an observatory program, an implementation timeline and task list with specific milestones, a funding profile for the program, and a schedule for periodic review of program planning and implementation efforts by knowledgeable, independent experts.
|
From page 11... ...
A seafloor observatory program should include funding for three essential elements: basic observatory infrastructure, development of new sensor and AUV technology, and scientific research using seafloor observatory data. Advances in sensor and AUV development must proceed in parallel with the development, design, manufacture, and installation of basic observatory infrastructure.
|
From page 12... ...
This deficiency was highlighted in the NRC report Global Ocean' Science: Toward art Integrated Approach, which proposed the creation of a new unit within the Research Section of the NSF Ocean Sciences Division that would be charged with managing a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary projects (NRC, 1999~.
|
From page 13... ...
should be a high-priority component of a seafloor observatory program, with a specified percentage of program funding dedicated to this effort. Seafloor observatories with real-time communication capabilities will offer an excellent opportunity for public outreach and innovative education initiatives at all levels.
|
From page 14... ...
will be achievable only through this kind of global cooperation. The vision of establishing a global network of seafloor observatories holds tremendous promise for advancing our understanding of Earth and its oceans.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.