Southern Ocean Observing System (Soos)

The Southern Ocean is disproportionately important in its effect on the Earth system, which makes recent observed changes to this system cause for global concern. Understanding and projecting future states of the Southern Ocean requires sustained observations. The Southern Ocean, however, remains one of the least-observed ocean regions, and access to observational data is fragmented and difficult. The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) is an international initiative that aims to address these data gaps and issues. The SOOS mission is to facilitate the sustained collection and delivery of essential observations of the Southern Ocean to all stakeholders, through the design, advocacy, and implementation of cost-effective observing and data delivery systems.