SIBER SPIS sept 2011.pdf - IMBER

SIBER
Science Plan and Implementation Strategy
Im p l e m e n t a t i o n s t r a t e g y
The implementation plan for SIBER is divided into three major science activities: 1) remote
sensing, 2) modeling, and 3) in situ observations which all have the potential for leveraging
existing infrastructure. The following provides a brief summary of these approaches as they
apply to SIBER and Indian Ocean research.
Rem o t e se n s i n g
The starting point for addressing the long-term goal of SIBER is through the use of remote
sensing to better characterize the intense variability that is observed in the Indian Ocean.
There is still a need for carrying out first-order descriptive science based on remote sensing.
Interdisciplinary retrospective and process-oriented remote sensing studies should seek to
improve quantification of both the physical (sea surface temperature and sea surface height)
and biological (ocean color) variability, understand the impact of physical forcing on biological
processes, and also characterize longer-term change.
Mod e l i n g
Remote sensing and in situ data should be combined with modeling studies. However, there
are still substantial challenges associated with modeling the highly dynamic regions in the
Indian Ocean. Eddy-resolving models (e.g. 1/10th of a degree or less) are required in order
to resolve the physical and biological variability in many Indian Ocean current systems and
data-assimilation techniques will need to be employed to optimize both physical and biological
models. SIBER will encourage the use of existing eddy-resolving models in the Indian Ocean
and also the development of new data-assimilating models. Applying coupled physicalbiological
models to study ecosystem dynamics and higher trophic levels is still a significant
research challenge. In the context of IMBER, the interaction between biogeochemical cycles
and ecosystems must be addressed. SIBER will encourage the development and use of endto-end
food web modeling approaches, and especially new model structures that are adaptive
and/or generate emergent behavior.
In s i t u o b s e r v a t i o n s a n d p o t e n t i a l f o r l e v e r a g i n g e x i s t i n g
i n f r a s t r u c t u r e
Initial emphasis in SIBER will also be on data mining, i.e. identifying and compiling existing
sources of information into accessible electronic databases. Intensive in situ biological studies
in the Indian Ocean have mostly been focused in the Arabian Sea. First-order, descriptive in
situ observational studies need to be undertaken elsewhere in the Indian Ocean to characterize
the assemblages and seasonality of phytoplankton, zooplankton and nekton. Existing longterm
monitoring stations also need to be maintained. SIBER will promote the use of innovative
approaches for conducting marine research. These efforts should include installation of
biogeochemically relevant sensors on observational platforms and vehicles (e.g. Argo floats,
moorings and gliders); ships of opportunity outfitted with “ferry packs” or a continuous plankton
recorder (CPR); and deployment of tagging and tracking devices (e.g. backpacks with acoustic
sensors) to study higher trophic levels. However, these high-technology approaches cannot
completely replace traditional net and trawl-based zooplankton and fisheries surveys. Targeted
process studies should be motivated at specific sites and times that focus on addressing the
core questions identified in this document. A program of systematic benthic process studies
is needed, and benthic sampling and experiments should be integrated with pelagic process
studies where possible to elucidate relationships and mechanisms in benthic-pelagic coupling.
Studies motivated as a part of SIBER must target and build upon existing monitoring and
research infrastructure, e.g. Australia’s IMOS program, the Dutch mooring array in the
Mozambique Channel, India’s recently established time series station in the Arabian Sea and
the basinwide CLIVAR/GOOS Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS).
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