GOOS stands for "Global Ocean Observing System." It is a widely recognized international cooperative effort comprising of various observing networks, instruments, and information management systems. GOOS aims to provide comprehensive observations and data management related to the oceans and its physical, biological, and biogeochemical characteristics. This system helps in understanding marine processes, ensuring ecosystem sustainability, and managing coastal and marine resources effectively.
The primary objective of GOOS is to facilitate sustained ocean observations, data assimilation, and modeling, enabling the generation of reliable and unbiased information. This information is crucial for scientific research, operational oceanography, as well as decision-making in areas such as climate change, weather forecasting, marine safety, and resource management. GOOS seeks to ensure completeness, timeliness, and integration of observations across various temporal and spatial scales in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the global ocean.
GOOS operates through national and regional networks, including in situ and satellite-based observing systems, which collect data on temperature, salinity, currents, sea level, and various physical and biogeochemical parameters. The collected data are systematically processed, quality-controlled, aggregated, and archived to form a continuous body of knowledge that is accessible to scientists, policy-makers, and the public.
Overall, GOOS plays a vital role in monitoring and understanding the dynamic nature of the global oceans, thus supporting sustainable development and informed decision-making related to marine environments and resources.
