The grand challenge of developing in situ observational oceanography in South Africa

Abstract

With a view of implementing operational oceanography in South Africa, the scientific community in 2009 initiated a demonstration project, OceanSAfrica, which integrates ocean modelling, in situ observations, remote sensing, and data dissemination and products. This paper presents progress towards establishing the in situ observations component. Led by the newly formed Oceans & Coasts (Department of Environment Affairs), numerous existing monitoring efforts, which include ship surveys, tide gauges, underwater temperature recorders (UTRs), wave buoys, as well as locally developed in situ measurement sensor and platform prototypes (dial-out UTRs, coastal and deep ocean buoys) have been incorporated into a regional in-situ observational network. A modular process has begun which will expand this initial network into an operational in situ observational service by 2016. This will include regional high resolution underway observations during the SANAP relief voyages- namely Good Hope, Cape Town-Gough Island and Cape Town-Marion Island transects, participation in SAMOC, at least five coastal buoys, moorings across the Agulhas Current and the Benguela Jet, coastal radar, dial-out UTRs and coastal weather stations. Most will be linked in real-time. This network will be integrated with the regional in situ observational arrays of PIRATA in the Atlantic and RAMA in the Indian Ocean, and the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) and Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME) programmes. Equally important will be the inclusion of science and technology projects to support and interpret the in situ observations. Apart from providing information to benefit local marine activities, these in situ data will ultimately be used to improve ocean and weather model skill through validation and assimilation, and contribute to international efforts in climate change research. Training and capacity building strongly feature in the OceanSAfrica initiative. Overall, this endeavour will strongly advance DEA’s of providing an operational service on ocean state, DTi’s (THRIP) objective to stimulate technology innovation, manufacturing and jobs, and DST’s 2008- 2018 Grand Challenge for Global Climate Change Science strategy to use South Africa’s unique proximity to the Antarctic, the Southern Ocean, the Agulhas and Benguela Currents to become a world leader in climate change science.