Ocean Climate Station: Kuroshio Extension Observatory (KEO) surface mooring
The Ocean Climate Stations group maintains two OceanSITES reference station moorings: the Kuroshio Extension Observatory (KEO) in the western North Pacific, initiated in 2004, and Station Papa in the eastern North Pacific, which was first deployed in 2007. OCS moorings contribute to the global network of OceanSITES reference stations and their data are used world-wide to assess numerical weather prediction and climate reanalyses and satellite products.
Successful climate-weather research depends on PMEL’s ability to maintain existing time series observations; therefore, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the tropical moored buoy arrays and ocean climate stations is a high priority. Developing and deploying innovative technologies, instrumentation, and systems to increase the scientific return from moorings is an ongoing effort. The Tropical Moored Buoy Array and Ocean Climate Stations groups continue to cultivate new international partnerships to increase the cost-effectiveness of these arrays.