Observing Systems
Research in coastal observing systems focuses on providing observing system data and platforms, data management and communications, and data products and forecasts needed for effective environmental management, and for monitoring and understanding ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic conditions.
The Great Lakes Observing System program continues through CILER, with an overall focus to develop products from integrated observations that relate to climate change impacts and protection of public health, ecosystem/food web dynamics, and navigation safety and efficiency. CILER and academic partners within the nearshore observing team have helped develop and maintain operational capabilities for the observing system components. Specific objectives for this program through CILER include: 1) increasing nearshore observations to improve wind/wave forecasting and circulation modeling, 2) advancing nearshore ecological forecasting procedures, 3) improving monitoring of lake heat and water balances, 4) developing continuous running high resolution hydrodynamic models of interconnecting waterways, and 5) integrating information and delivering customized products that meet user needs.
NOAA maintains its role in the Great Lakes CoastWatch program by continuing to fund a support position through CILER. The Great Lakes program obtains, produces, and delivers satellite environmental data and products to stakeholders (including the Coast Guard and NWS) from near real-time observations through the Great Lakes CoastWatch website.
Finally, new projects through CILER investigate novel, rapid, and cost-effective technologies to detect pathogenic E.coli and HAB cyanotoxins in recreational freshwaters. Both projects also compare sensor/instrument performance against well-established analytical protocols. Of particular interest is the construction, validation, and deployment of a robotic sampler coupled with an in-water mass spectrometer to measure the cyanotoxins. The system is programmable for time-series measurements of specific toxin congeners, or suites of them. Sample extraction, purification, and spectrometer quantification are automated within the unit. In addition, the recovery of analytes of interest will be assessed with the incorporation of novel isotope dilution-enabled automation technology.
