Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning:

the Context

David MeldrumConsultant, IOC/UNESCO, Paris

d.meldrum@unesco.org

Contents of presentation

• Is climate changing?• Ocean observing systems already in place

– Weather and climate– Disaster warning

• The challenges of the deep ocean• Opportunities for cable operators to make a difference

The evidence for climate change: global temperatures

The evidence for climate change: global sea level

Sea level rise: observed regional trends

Sea level rise: population vulnerability

The evidence for climate change: Arctic sea ice extent

Timescales of climate variability and the ocean

The evidence for climate change: deep ocean temperatures

GOOS: the Global Ocean Observing System

Examples of the instruments used

Moored instruments

Challenges of the deep ocean (compared to space)

• Satellites can’t see below the sea surface• Instruments have to withstand high pressure and corrosion• No energy source (e.g. solar panels)• Difficult for communications and imaging

But it’s only skin deep!

Unusual deep seabed features?

No – they came from the red planet, not the blue planet!

Techniques for observing the deep ocean

• Moorings• Landers• Lowered instruments• Acoustics• Cabled observatories• New oceanographers!

Disaster warning - tsunamis

Tsunami warning networks

Seismic activity

Not all seismic activity causes tsunamis

Japanese tsunami: predictions and observations

itic.ioc-unesco.org

Analysis centres generate warnings

Vandalism is a major problem

Cables offer a solution

• Vandal-proof in the deep ocean• Instantaneous communications• Energy source• Next generation commercial repeaters to include built-in

tsunami sensors?• Why not other sensors as well?

– Ocean properties such as temperature and salinity– Seismometry– Passive acoustics

Passive acoustics has been used from cables before

Blue whale migrations using SOSUS

Ocean acoustic pollution is a major issue

IOC, Paris, Sept 2011

Conclusions

• The deep ocean is poorly observed• Next generation cable repeaters could make a major impact• Important climate variables could be measured• Acoustic sensors would cast new light on marine mammals• Cables offer the ideal solution for tsunami warning

– Vandal resistant– Instant communications– Energy available– Could be a business opportunity– Or why not just be green and eco-friendly and improve your image!

• Suggestion: establish a small enthusiastic group to sketch out a limited pilot project

Cables are the future!

TAT-1, Oban, Scotland

Thank you!