The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is an international effort to coordinate and foster long-term, routine, globally-relevant, scientifically-based and systematic ocean observations and applications. GOOS is built upon research, and provides data for research, but is not itself a research program. Rather, it is focussed on making use of research, of applying knowledge for the public good, and of motivating basic and applied research in topical areas. Guided by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the planning for GOOS is taking place within five specific areas: Climate Monitoring, Assessment, and Prediction Monitoring and Assessment of Living Marine Resources Monitoring of the Coastal Zone Environment and its Changes Assessment and Prediction of the Health of the Ocean Marine Meteorological and Operational Oceanographic Services U.S. GOOS activities are contained within many U.S. agencies, including NOAA, NSF, NASA, Navy (Office of Oceanographer and ONR), DOE, DOI, EPA, and State. A U.S. GOOS Interagency Working Group coordinates these activities. The climate module is the leading candidate for implementation by U.S. GOOS because it is the most well-developed in terms of strategy, applications, and technology. The highest priority within the climate module is the continuation of the TOGA Observing System beyond its research phase (1984-1994) and into an operational status for long-term provision of the data needed for forecasting of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Economic studies have shown that the investment to obtain such observations and make such predictions is returned many times over in benefits to the agricultural sector in the U.S., plus additional benefits to other sectors. At a lower priority within the climate module are the long-term observations needed for the detection of climate change. The second U.S. GOOS urgency is the development of an interagency Coastal GOOS Program, including those aspects of all the GOOS modules that are relevant near the coast. The coastal zone is under increasing stress through population growth and land-use policies, yet is also the region of major sea-borne commerce and living marine resources. Balancing resources against development requires a strong information base and predictive capability; GOOS is dedicated to making this happen in a timely, affordable, and customer-oriented manner. For further information contact: U.S. GOOS Interagency Working Group c/o NOAA/NOS/OES, SSMC-4 1305 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281 USA 301-713-2981 301-713-4392 FAX Internet > usgoos@noaa.gov WWW > "http://www.usgoos.noaa.gov/goos.html" [This information is condensed from the U.S. GOOS World Wide Web pages.] For further information, visit the international Global Ocean Observing System Home Page at: "http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/Default.htm" and the GOOS Project Office: "http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/goos.htm" IDN_Node: USA/NASA
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