Untitled - The Future Ocean

2.3.4 Research Platform P4: Ocean ObservatoriesCoordinators:Prof. Visbeck, MartinProf. Körtzinger, Arne21.03.1963 14.06.1963Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften Leibniz-Institut für MeereswissenschaftenIFM-GEOMARIFM-GEOMARFB1 Ozeanzirkulation und Klimadynamik FB2 Marine BiogeochemieDüsternbrooker Weg 20Düsternbrooker Weg 2024105 Kiel24105 KielTel.: 0431-600 4100Tel.: 0431-600 4205Fax: 0431-600 4102Fax: 0431-600 4202Email: mvisbeck@ifm-geomar.deEmail: akoertzinger@ifm-geomar.deFurther Proponents: O. Pfannkuche, J. Bialas, W. Brückmann, C. Devey, C. Dullo, E. Flueh,P. Höher, J. Karstensen, R. Koch, P. Linke, N. Luttenberger, U. Riebesell, M. Wahl, G. Rehder1. Summary / ZusammenfassungThe proposed Cluster aims to understand future ocean changes and their interactions with humansociety in terms of resources and risks. This can only be accomplished on the basis of a soundscientific understanding of the mechanisms and feedbacks involved. Major tools for achieving thiscrucial knowledge comprise integrated ocean observatories which can provide adequateobservational and manipulative skills. Future ocean changes will have many facets which require awide range of observatories and platforms, stretching from the seafloor to the atmosphere andfrom the sub-meter to the global scale. Furthermore, the highly coupled nature of processes in theoceans calls for comprehensive approaches which combine (geo-) physical, chemical andbiological parameters. Current observational capabilities in Kiel provide a strong basis for theCluster, one which can be matched by only a few institutes throughout the world. The platformincludes classical tools (e.g. research vessels, multiple mapping and sampling devices, moorings)as well as innovative autonomous observatories (multi-sensor floats, "Voluntary Observing Ships”,seafloor observatories). This basis will be further expanded by emerging and new approaches,such as enhanced four-dimensional ocean observation ("glider swarm”) and seafloor or openoceanlaboratories for manipulative biogeochemical studies (bottom landers, free-drifting"mesocosms”).105