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Web-based white paper calling for a biogeochemical flux program aligned with the Ocean Observatories Initiative

Dear OCB community,

We believe it is critical to develop a long-term biological and
biogeochemical flux observation program aligned with the Ocean
Observatories Initiative (OOI;
http://www.oceanleadership.org/programs-and-partnerships/ocean-observing/ooi/).
The technical and cyber infrastructure provided by the OOI provides a
valuable opportunity to undertake detailed time-series observations of
the oceanic biological pump, including its links to biological activity
throughout the water column, and impacts on biogeochemical cycles.  In
addition to the implementation of the OOI, we believe a major
biogeochemical flux program is timely in the context of major recent
advances in autonomous instrumentation and mooring design.

Such an undertaking requires community-wide involvement, and to
facilitate this process we have compiled a draft framework in the form
of a web-based "White Paper" for the community's consideration:

http://www.whoi.edu/whitepaper/GBF-OOI/

Specific objectives of this "White Paper" are to:

- Identify key elements of the proposed Global Biogeochemical Flux (GBF)
component of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI).

- Propose that the GBF-OOI build upon planned physical and cyber
infrastructure of the OOI for rapid distribution of crucial data and
samples to the research community.

- Outline core observation and measurement strategies for addressing
critical questions in understanding the global ocean biogeochemistry.

- Highlight technological advances that will allow these objectives to
be realized.

- Participate in the OOI's educational and societal outreach programs.

We would very much like for this White Paper to serve as a common ground
from which to begin discussions on what is needed for ocean scientists,
technologists and the wider public to best understand ocean
biology/biogeochemistry and its relationship to climate change.  We plan
to follow up with a workshop(s) to discuss the scope and design of such
a program in the near future.

Please send your comments, suggestions and questions to:
gbf-ooi@whoi.edu
or any of the following individuals (co-compilers of this version).

Best regards,

Sus Honjo <shonjo@whoi.edu>
Tim Eglinton <teglinton@whoi.edu>
Craig Taylor <ctaylor@whoi.edu>

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