Overview
SOCONET is a global volunteer network within GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System) that brings together operators of high-quality surface ocean CO₂ observing systems. Through coordinated measurements from ships of opportunity, research vessels, moorings, and emerging autonomous platforms, SOCONET contributes critical reference-quality data to quantify global air–sea CO₂ fluxes and track trends in surface ocean carbon.
SOCONET is a global volunteer network within GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System) that brings together operators of high-quality surface ocean CO₂ observing systems. Through coordinated measurements from ships of opportunity, research vessels, moorings, and emerging autonomous platforms, SOCONET contributes critical reference-quality data to quantify global air–sea CO₂ fluxes and track trends in surface ocean carbon.
These observations underpin our understanding of the global carbon balance and ocean acidification and feed directly into community resources such as the Surface Ocean CO₂ Atlas (SOCAT) and global climate assessments.
Goals
- Coordinate international measurements of pCO₂ from ships and moorings using harmonized standard operating procedures.
- Ensure open dissemination of reference-quality data and derived products.
- Track observing platforms, metadata, and data submission in near–real time.
- Develop and update best practices for high-quality atmospheric and oceanic CO₂ measurements.
- Support global participation, training, and capacity building within the network.
Steering Committee (SC)
As a member of the SOCONET Steering Committee, I contribute to:
As a member of the SOCONET Steering Committee, I contribute to:
- Developing and overseeing implementation of the SOCONET Implementation Plan.
- Establishing network-wide measurement requirements and Tier-based data quality levels.
- Coordinating with SOCAT, GOOS-OCG, OceanOPS, IOCCP, and WMO initiatives (including G3W).
- Facilitating global recruitment, platform integration, and capacity-building activities.
- Ensuring timely data submission and advising on data quality and network performance.
- Supporting intercomparison exercises and promoting emerging technologies for surface ocean CO₂ observations.