Scientists Convene at BIOS for Time-Series Workshop

From November 28-30, 2012 BIOS will host the international ocean time-series workshop, Moving Toward Global Interoperability in a Changing Ocean: An International Time-Series Methods Workshop. The workshop is jointly convened by the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project (IOCCP) and the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry (OCB) Program and aims to develop more consistent and transparent time-series methodologies.

Ocean time-series are long-term studies that take measurements of seawater hydrography, chemistry, and biology at specific sites—or stations—on a regular basis. Time-series studies collect valuable data on a wide variety of parameters, including water column biogeochemistry, optical properties, plankton community structure, nutrients and sediment fluxes, and sea surface temperature. As a result, ocean time-series represent one of the most valuable tools scientists have to characterize oceanic processes and understand their links to climate change.

With over 40 participants from 30 different programs around the globe, the workshop will focus on biogeochemical time-series methods and data intercomparison. Specific goals of the workshop include defining standardized sampling methods, examining new techniques available for more accurate measurements, and generating a best practices publication on sampling and measurement protocols to facilitate data intercomparison across time-series sites.

BIOS was chosen to host the workshop due, in part, to the fact that it’s home to one of the most well known time-series, the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS). However, workshop organizers were also particularly excited about the opportunity to work with students participating in the 2012/13 Center of Excellence in Observational Oceanography. These individuals hail from developing countries and will be spending 10 months at BIOS gaining valuable oceanographic skills and experience to bring back to their home nations.

“Ultimately, the workshop will strengthen the global connections between time-series programs and foster future collaborations,” noted Laura Lorenzoni, a University of South Florida researcher who sits on the workshop organizing committee and is a member of the Scientific Steering Group of the IOCCP.