noaa’s current research initiatives in oceanography files 2013/… · predictions . the ocean’s...

NOAA’s Current Research Initiatives In Oceanography Craig McLean Deputy Assistant Administrator Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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VISION Healthy Ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change.

CLIMATE An informed society anticipating and responding to climate and its impacts

WEATHER Society is prepared for and responds to weather-related events

OCEANS Marine Fisheries, habitats and biodiversity sustained within Healthy and productive ecosystems

COASTS Coastal and Great Lakes communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable

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NOAA Research

Observations

Models

Predictions

The Ocean’s Role In Climate

Climate Change

3552 Floats May 2013

Climate Change

Climate Change

pH adjusted to predicted ocean pH in 2100

0 days 15 days 30 days 45 days

From the lab of V. Fabry Photos: David Littschwager

Ocean Acidification

Ocean Acidification

Ocean Acidification

Wave Glider

Bio-geo-chemical payload

Oyster larvae Oyster farm

Taylor Shellfish Farm Washington State

Ocean Acidification

Hazards: Hurricanes

Hazards: Tsunami

Hazards: Tsunami

Hazards: Tsunami

Hazards: Tsunami Ready Communities

Marine Debris

Fukushima

Ocean Exploration We shall not cease from exploration and

the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the

place for the first time. -T.S. Elliot

Yesterday Today

Challenges