Step 2: Implementation of the COSYNA System
The second step consists of an expansion of the ICON-Network towards the open North Sea, of an integrated implementation of pre-operational modelling (physical and ecosystem) and of the integration of modules that enable scientific partners to do research on benthic and atmospheric exchange.
Map of the COSYNA Stations in the North Sea
Figure: Map the German EEZ with existing network and newly proposed observational stations and Transects of FerryBoxes as well as of gliders and AUV.
1: East Frisian offshore
platform;
2: FINO 3,
3: North Frisian observational Pile;
4: FINO 1;
5: AWI Helgoland.
Map courtesy of BSH
The specific features of the observatory are observational Reference Points (RPs) and the coherence of the data accumulation and retrieval as an essential basis for operational data assimilation into models.
COSYNA (see figure) will deliver the spatial representation through:
COSYNA (see figure) will deliver the spatial representation through:
- a chain of RPs with long-term observations, of, which the geometrical formation is adapted to the typical and characteristic gradients; these also serve as nodes to connect furtherobservational devices (e.g. benthic landers)
- transects that link the RPs together; here, mobile measuring platforms, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs, gliders) or ship surveys will collect a subset of parameters. In parallel we will document changes in morphology and habitat of the sea floor along these references transects through optical and/or acoustic devices.
- Remote sensing information, if available, will be integrated with observational in situ data to provide a better spatial coverage for the southern North Sea. Measures to improve operational ground truth capabilities and atmospheric radiation correction will have been developed within the ICON framework until the end of 2009 and are not part of this investment proposal.
Coherence of observations will be achieved through a common sensor package of the RPs and systems implemented on the moving platforms. This common package will comprise standard parameters (oceanography, meteorology) with extensions for more advanced chemical and biological parameters.
The realisation of a critical number of RPs in the framework of this investment proposal including its long-term maintenance through GKSS and its partners calls for a completely new approach. As platforms for the RP’s, all located in the German Bight, we will make use of existing research platforms (FINO 1 and FINO 3) and offshore wind turbines (WEAs). WEAs offer a sustainable offshore construction, are linked through cable routes as well as through telemetry connected to the mainland, and have regular maintenance by ship or helicopter.
Therefore an essential characteristic of COSYNA will be to participate in this external infrastructure. To cover larger areas of the North Sea, the installation of measuring devices on ferries (FerryBox), by then already established within the ICON framework, will be continued and extended regarding the number of parameters.
Selected, already existing operational or near future operational systems and stations operated by GKSS and KDM partners, will be incorporated, modernised and adapted as part of the COSYNA network. For achieving budget estimation through the entire water column at selected RP’s, we plan to pursue automatic measurements of biogeochemical gradients and fluxes in the sediment–water (benthic landers) and at the water-atmosphere boundary layer.
This set of fixed and moving platforms will base on and incorporate the systems established in the framework of ICON, which is presently constructed by GKSS. In this way, ICON can be regarded as a pilot, first pre-operational phase of COSYNA where the basic features of COSYNA including the remote sensing techniques will have been implemented until the end of 2009. Investments of GKSS within the framework of ICON will already lead to innovative technical solutions with the in-situ technologies of the FerryBoxes and observational poles as well as their integration with remote sensing.
Finally, the geometrical arrangement of the COSYNA RP’s and transects will complement the existing observational systems of MARNET, operated by the BSH, and the Ocean Monitoring Network OMS that is presently assembled in the along the North Frisian Coast (see figure).
The realisation of a critical number of RPs in the framework of this investment proposal including its long-term maintenance through GKSS and its partners calls for a completely new approach. As platforms for the RP’s, all located in the German Bight, we will make use of existing research platforms (FINO 1 and FINO 3) and offshore wind turbines (WEAs). WEAs offer a sustainable offshore construction, are linked through cable routes as well as through telemetry connected to the mainland, and have regular maintenance by ship or helicopter.
Therefore an essential characteristic of COSYNA will be to participate in this external infrastructure. To cover larger areas of the North Sea, the installation of measuring devices on ferries (FerryBox), by then already established within the ICON framework, will be continued and extended regarding the number of parameters.
Selected, already existing operational or near future operational systems and stations operated by GKSS and KDM partners, will be incorporated, modernised and adapted as part of the COSYNA network. For achieving budget estimation through the entire water column at selected RP’s, we plan to pursue automatic measurements of biogeochemical gradients and fluxes in the sediment–water (benthic landers) and at the water-atmosphere boundary layer.
This set of fixed and moving platforms will base on and incorporate the systems established in the framework of ICON, which is presently constructed by GKSS. In this way, ICON can be regarded as a pilot, first pre-operational phase of COSYNA where the basic features of COSYNA including the remote sensing techniques will have been implemented until the end of 2009. Investments of GKSS within the framework of ICON will already lead to innovative technical solutions with the in-situ technologies of the FerryBoxes and observational poles as well as their integration with remote sensing.
Finally, the geometrical arrangement of the COSYNA RP’s and transects will complement the existing observational systems of MARNET, operated by the BSH, and the Ocean Monitoring Network OMS that is presently assembled in the along the North Frisian Coast (see figure).
