Ocean Carbon Network
About the Program
Monitoring and observing ocean carbon helps us understand the broader effects of climate-related challenges on our planet
The ocean absorbs approximately 25% of humankind’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While this reduces the accumulation of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, slowing the rate of climate change, it also increases the acidity of seawater (ocean acidification), endangering marine organisms and ocean health.
NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program (GOMO) provides long-term observations of carbon from the sea surface to the sea floor. These measurements are recorded across the globe to capture differences between ocean basins at different time scales to capture both seasonal and year-to-year variability.
GOMO’s long-term monitoring and scientific analysis of how much carbon the ocean absorbs from the atmosphere is critical for understanding the role the ocean plays in regulating global climate, determining if ocean uptake of CO2 will continue at the same rate with increasing emissions, and how we can prepare for potential future climate-related challenges. These global observations are critical for the development of climate policies and future climate projections.
What We Measure
Surface Ocean Carbon
Understanding changes in oceanic CO2 uptake is essential for assessing the difference between human-caused climate change and the global carbon cycle. The Surface Ocean CO2 Reference Network (SOCONET) provides information on how the global carbon cycle changes over time. This network utilizes commercial and research ships (Ship of Opportunity) and autonomous platforms to measure temperature, salinity, and pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in surface water and the air. These observations are used to determine the amount of atmospheric CO2 absorbed by the ocean on seasonal scales, document changes in the surface ocean carbon chemistry, and evaluate the variability in carbon exchange between the ocean and atmosphere to provide meaningful projections of future atmospheric CO2 levels.
Image Credit: NOAA PSL
Ocean Interior Carbon
Ship-based ocean sampling remains the only method for obtaining high-quality physical, chemical, and biological measurements from the surface to sea floor on a global scale. The U.S. Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (U.S. GO-SHIP), part of the international GO-SHIP network of 55 sustained hydrographic sections, collects ocean interior carbon measurements to determine changes in the storage of human-caused CO2, including at depths greater than two kilometers, which is below what autonomous core Argo floats can measure.
How We Measure: Ocean Observing Tools
GOMO's Role
GOMO is leading the coordination and integration of global ocean carbon observations across research and modeling activities
GOMO supports research that includes ocean carbon and biogeochemical observations, research, modeling, data synthesis, product development, and technology development. GOMO provides strategic programmatic support, facilitates partnerships, and supports capacity development. See who we work with by clicking the icons below.
Data & Products
Ocean Carbon News
Funding will expand observations, improve forecasting of carbon dioxide levels in the ocean surface and atmosphere This is a repost of a NOAA.gov press release published May 30, 2024. Today,...
U.S. GO-SHIP is looking for students to participate in the upcoming occupation of the meridional hydrographic line known as A16S aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown. The cruise is...
This is a repost of NOAA AOML’s original story published May 2, 2024. Floating ice, freezing temperatures, and streaks of lights in the night sky. Traversing from Fremantle, Australia to Antarctica’s...
This is a repost of NOAA AOML’s original story published April 22, 2024. Wind, waves, and icebergs pierced through morning fog – the A13.5 GO-SHIP cruise proved both tumultuous and...
This is a repost of NOAA AOML’s original story published February 13, 2024. Scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) are gearing up for a busy season at...
This is a repost of a NOAA Research article published December 5, 2023. Read the original post here. NOAA data and models help scientists track the global carbon cycle Greenhouse...
We Support the Advancement of Ocean Science
GOMO provides support for institutions from around the country that foster advancements in understanding and protecting our global oceans. View the research projects that impact people, ecosystems, and the economy.
