National Ocean Service

About: National Ocean Service is a government organization based out in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Algal bloom & Population. The organization has 500 authors who have published 643 publications receiving 46096 citations.

A Computerized Bar Code System for Labeling Environmental Samples

Abstract: A rapid, reliable, and labor saving sample identification system that uses a bar code labeling technique to identify environmental samples is described. This system consists of a commercial bar code light pen and decoder board interfaced to a portable micro-computer. Sample logging, data entry, display, and manipulation are accomplished by using a series of custom designed program menus and data record formats created in dBASE III. This system is operational and was used at sea in conjunction with the NOAA National Status and Trends Program.

Meeting Future Marine Challenges: Charting the Course of NOAA's National Ocean Service Science and Technology Enterprise towards Ecosystem Service and Stewardship

Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the premier civilian ocean agency in the United States. To meet its mission, the agency addresses coastal and ocean challenges on a daily basis focusing on issues ranging from fish stock assessments to coastal inundation. NOAA relies upon a broad science and technology enterprise that produces the products and services necessary to make sound management decisions. Comprised of nine programmatic lines, NOAA's national ocean service (NOS) has a wide-range set of inter-related challenges extending from management of estuaries and marine protected areas to operational oceanography and forecasting. In 2006, NOS established a Science and Technology Board to evaluate its diverse scientific enterprise and apply its wide range of skills and centuries of experience to the modern challenge of developing ecosystem based ocean and coastal services.

Inter-vessel Field Backscatter Calibration for Kongsberg EM2040 Systems

Abstract: Seafloor acoustic backscatter plays a critical role in many current seafloor classification methods. At the Office of Coast Survey, we are particularly interested in backscatter from multibeam echosounder systems deployed for bathymetric surveys, because we both execute and contract for a major survey effort with these systems on an ongoing basis. Recognizing that backscatter can be a valuable product from these surveys, we have been actively trying to understand both the requirements and necessary specifications for backscatter deliverables. While absolute calibration of these systems has been demonstrated in specialized test environments, practical full-calibration methods for deployed multibeam systems have remained, to date, elusive. For vessels utilizing more than one acoustic system, or the use of multiple vessels in a project area, a potentially useful intermediate step is to both account for the relative difference between acquisition parameters (e.g. power, pulse length) of a given sensor and the relative differences between sensors. We demonstrate a practical approach to this problem using a patch of seafloor as the calibration standard and illustrate the method using eight different Kongsberg 2040 systems- each mounted on survey vessel.As others working in this field have demonstrated [5, 9], the selection of an appropriate seafloor target patch is critical for this type of approach. In particular, temporal stability, annual accessibility, bottom type, predictable and anticipated environmental factors (traffic, variant sound speed), are critical factors. In 2017, we installed eight Kongsberg EM2040 MBES systems on NOAA Ship Rainier and Fairweather survey vessels and conducted inaugural test and acceptance trials in Puget Sound. We collected data for each azimuth, pulse length, and frequency for each system and determined relative calibration offsets for each. This direct comparison between identical MBES sonars mounted on near-identical vessels revealed anticipated differences between pulse lengths and frequencies in one test case, but unanticipated inconsistencies in the other. We attribute these inconsistencies to environmental factors, such as sound velocity irregularities from freshwater and vessel fathometer interference. In 2018, we selected a new calibration site in Port Madison, incorporating best practices identified by other workers in selecting the bottom type and paying greater heed to oceanographic stability. We acquired reference data sets across all eight systems over a two-week period, minimizing the possible temporal and environmental effects. Using commercial software (QPS FMGT), we created mosaics of each survey line. A cross-correlation analysis of the mosaic histograms gave distinct decibel differences for each vessel, frequency, and pulse length. We then use these offsets values to normalize between common acquisition modes in postprocessing, allowing for a more visually consistent mosaic and consistent backscatter data across these multiple platforms. We are now using the derived inter-system calibration values operationally. Our experiences in selecting an appropriate intersystem calibration area, calculating the relative offsets between operational parameters and vessels should be of interest to those operating multibeam systems, particularly multiple system, for seafloor mapping work.

Exceedance probability statistics: The likelihood that coastal water levels will reach extreme elevations

Abstract: The Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) has developed a web-based product (http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/est) to provide online access to exceedance probability statistics at approximately 110 long-term National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) stations. Each of these stations has at least 30 years of data. The analysis is based on the observed monthly extreme water levels tabulated for the period of record for each station.

Status and Near-Term Plans for the U.S. IOOS Quality Assurance / Quality Control of Real-time Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) Project

Abstract: The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Quality Assurance / Quality Control of Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) project has produced a series of real-time quality control manuals for specific core variables and other variables of interest to the oceanographic community. Not all core variables warrant a QARTOD manual. We consider each remaining variable for which a QARTOD manual has not been produced and discuss the potential for development of a manual in the near term.QARTOD QC tests are presently being implemented by IOOS Regional Associations. We review the challenges anticipated and encountered in this process and provide an example of a successful effort. Manuals are updated to ensure they remain accurate and relevant; feedback following implementation is a key component of the update process.QARTOD manuals are used internationally, and we will continue to expand our global collaborative efforts. These include a review of the Global Ocean Observing System essential ocean variables to consider further candidates for a QC manual, and partnerships supportive of QC, QA, measurement uncertainty, and best practices. QARTOD manuals are also used by universities to train the individuals who will implement the next generation of advanced QC tests.