Williams, E. J.; Kearns, E. J.; VOS Contributions from the Explorer of the Seas to the SEACOOS Observational Network, ASLO/TOS Ocean Research 2004 Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii

Abstract

The Explorer of the Seas, a 1020 ft cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), cruises from Miami, Fl through both the Eastern and Western Caribbean on alternating weeks. In 2000, a cooperative agreement between RCCL and the University of Miami established two staffed onboard laboratories with comprehensive meteorological and oceanographic instrumentation which includes: two ADCPs, flowing seawater environmental sensors, M-AERI, Portable Radiation Package, WeatherPaks, Wind Profiler, WAMOS, and an aerosol/particle sampling system. Using a satellite connection, a data subset is sent shore-side in real-time, with full weekly data offloads. Biweekly crossings of the Gulf Stream and the ship track’s coverage of the Bahamas and Carribean regions make the Explorer a valuable asset to the Southeast Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEACOOS). The data stream has been adapted to the SEACOOS OpenDAP-compliant distribution system such that real-time and archived data may be easily combined with other SEACOOS observational and modeling products. The Explorer also provides a unique outreach opportunity for SEACOOS through weekly lectures to passengers as well as periodic courses and workshops held aboard in its laboratories.

Citation

Williams, E. J.; Kearns, E. J.; VOS Contributions from the Explorer of the Seas to the SEACOOS Observational Network, ASLO/TOS Ocean Research 2004 Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii

For more information, see the SEACOOS Observing Working Group.