Green Marine UK has recently deployed a series of underwater gliders in the North Sea to support a data-collecting exercise led by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and the Met Office. This project aims to improve the collection and distribution of data supporting both weather and ocean forecasts.

The underwater gliders will survey ocean depths approaching 200m for a three-year period, operating for six-month intervals. A range of measurements, including salinity and temperature, will be delivered to the Met Office in near real-time. This data will form part of a wider program to increase the amount of observational data fed into a new supercomputer, supporting continuous work by the Met Office to improve forecast accuracy.

Improving Forecast Accuracy

The project is a significant step forward in improving the accuracy of weather and ocean forecasts. By collecting data from the ocean floor, scientists can gain a better understanding of the complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. This, in turn, will enable more accurate predictions of weather patterns and ocean currents.

The Role of Underwater Gliders

Underwater gliders are unmanned underwater vehicles that use buoyancy and wings to glide through the ocean, collecting data as they go. They are an essential tool in oceanography, providing scientists with a cost-effective and efficient way to collect data from the ocean floor. In this project, the gliders will be deployed for six-month intervals, collecting data on salinity, temperature, and other ocean properties.

Collaboration and Innovation

The project is a collaboration between Green Marine UK, the NOC, and the Met Office. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing our understanding of the ocean and improving forecast accuracy. By working together, scientists and engineers can develop new technologies and methods for collecting data, leading to better predictions and more informed decision-making.

Real-World Applications

The project has significant real-world applications, from improving weather forecasting to supporting offshore industries such as oil and gas and renewable energy. By providing more accurate predictions of weather patterns and ocean currents, the project can help reduce the risks associated with these industries and support more efficient operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the deployment of underwater gliders in the North Sea is an exciting development in the field of oceanography. The project demonstrates the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing our understanding of the ocean and improving forecast accuracy. As the project continues to collect data and provide insights into the complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, it is likely to have a significant impact on our ability to predict weather patterns and support offshore industries.

Summary

Green Marine UK has deployed underwater gliders in the North Sea to support a data-collecting exercise led by the NOC and the Met Office. The project aims to improve the collection and distribution of data supporting both weather and ocean forecasts. The gliders will survey ocean depths approaching 200m for a three-year period, operating for six-month intervals. The project demonstrates the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing our understanding of the ocean and improving forecast accuracy.

List of Sources

• Green Marine UK teams up with UK’s National Oceanography Centre to …
• Green Marine UK, NOC Team On Gliders
• Advanced underwater gliders set to revolutionise ocean and weather …
• Underwater Survey Gliders Deployed In North Sea
• Gliders – National Oceanography Centre
• Underwater gliders to survey 200m North Sea depths
• State-of-the-art underwater robots to play crucial … – NOC Innovations
• National Oceanography Centre and the Met Office collaborate to improve …
• State-of-the-Art Underwater Robots To Play Crucial Role In Weather …
• Using ocean robots to dive into offshore wind farm wake effects