Direct observation of the ocean from cruises, fixed point observatories and satellites are still the pillars on which modern ocean sciences are built. This ever evolving field of oceanography provides the knowledge base to develop a truly interdisciplinary approach to ocean sciences that spans from physics to biology, geology, chemistry, engineering and many other branches of science. By covering many fields and different spatial and temporal scale, ocean observations give the chance to pose multivariate questions in space and time, from micro-scale processes to world ocean dynamics, from episodic events to long term data series.
In this open session we bring together researchers from all ocean disciplines working on observations with twofold intent:
i) to provide an opportunity to discuss instruments and methodologies used to collect data in the ocean (i.e. common observational tools as well as innovative platforms and procedures);
ii) to act as a forum to present ocean observations and datasets on a broad and interdisciplinary spectrum and range of scales;
iii) to share the knowledge on management approaches and coordination activities (projects, research infrastructure and collaborations) in the fields of data collection.