A National Glider Network For Sustained Observation Of The Coastal Ocean

A national glider network is essential to provide baseline ocean observations to connect the coastal and global ocean, and to address such issues as natural climate variability, ecosystem health, and water quality. The development of gliders is briefly reviewed. Requirements for a national network are presented, and the capabilities of gliders are shown to be suited for the task. The needs of a data management system tuned to gliders are outlined. A workshop to outline a strategy towards creating this network was held in August 2012, with a planning document to follow.