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Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning: the Context

Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning: the Context. David Meldrum Consultant, IOC/UNESCO, Paris d.meldrum@unesco.org. Contents of presentation. Is climate changing? Ocean observing systems already in place Weather and climate Disaster warning

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Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning: the Context

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  1. Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning: the Context David Meldrum Consultant, IOC/UNESCO, Paris d.meldrum@unesco.org

  2. Contents of presentation • Is climate changing? • Ocean observing systems already in place • Weather and climate • Disaster warning • The challenges of the deep ocean • Opportunities for cable operators to make a difference

  3. The evidence for climate change: global temperatures

  4. The evidence for climate change: global sea level

  5. Sea level rise: observed regional trends

  6. Sea level rise: population vulnerability

  7. The evidence for climate change: Arctic sea ice extent

  8. Timescales of climate variability and the ocean

  9. The evidence for climate change: deep ocean temperatures

  10. GOOS: the Global Ocean Observing System

  11. Examples of the instruments used

  12. Moored instruments

  13. Challenges of the deep ocean (compared to space) • Satellites can’t see below the sea surface • Instruments have to withstand high pressure and corrosion • No energy source (e.g. solar panels) • Difficult for communications and imaging

  14. But it’s only skin deep!

  15. Unusual deep seabed features?

  16. No – they came from the red planet, not the blue planet!

  17. Techniques for observing the deep ocean • Moorings • Landers • Lowered instruments • Acoustics • Cabled observatories • New oceanographers!

  18. Disaster warning - tsunamis

  19. Tsunami warning networks

  20. Seismic activity Not all seismic activity causes tsunamis

  21. Japanese tsunami: predictions and observations itic.ioc-unesco.org

  22. Analysis centres generate warnings

  23. Vandalism is a major problem

  24. Cables offer a solution • Vandal-proof in the deep ocean • Instantaneous communications • Energy source • Next generation commercial repeaters to include built-in tsunami sensors? • Why not other sensors as well? • Ocean properties such as temperature and salinity • Seismometry • Passive acoustics

  25. Passive acoustics has been used from cables before Blue whale migrations using SOSUS

  26. Ocean acoustic pollution is a major issue IOC, Paris, Sept 2011

  27. Conclusions • The deep ocean is poorly observed • Next generation cable repeaters could make a major impact • Important climate variables could be measured • Acoustic sensors would cast new light on marine mammals • Cables offer the ideal solution for tsunami warning • Vandal resistant • Instant communications • Energy available • Could be a business opportunity • Or why not just be green and eco-friendly and improve your image! • Suggestion: establish a small enthusiastic group to sketch out a limited pilot project

  28. Cables are the future! Thank you! TAT-1, Oban, Scotland

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