Introduction to the special issue on the Ocean Observatories Initiative

Abstract

This special issue of Oceanography provides an initial view of the breadth and scope of scientific analysis and evaluation made possible by the data flowing from the extensive OOI infrastructure. The articles illustrate the value the OOI and its data offer the scientific community, including opportunities to: • Observe phenomena across multiple temporal and spatial scales • Capture rare and episodic events • Create long-term data records in previously poorly sampled ocean regions • Make observations of patchy distributions of materials, energy fluxes, and processes • Augment OOI observations with those from other ocean observing assets (e.g., remote sensing, shipboard, Argo profiling floats, US Geological Survey river gauges) • Provide a testbed for technological innovation, extending the capabilities of present assets and instrumentation • Enhance learning opportunities with real-time ocean observations We encourage readers of this special issue to build upon this list, and extend the opportunities for the use of OOI data to address compelling scientific, educational, and societal issues.