Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Disaster Warning: the Context David Meldrum Consultant, IOC/UNESCO, Paris

Contents of presentation Is climate changing? Ocean observing systems already in place –Weather and climate –Disaster warning The challenges of the deep ocean Opportunities for cable operators to make a difference

The evidence for climate change: global temperatures

The evidence for climate change: global sea level

Sea level rise: observed regional trends

Sea level rise: population vulnerability

The evidence for climate change: Arctic sea ice extent

Timescales of climate variability and the ocean

The evidence for climate change: deep ocean temperatures

GOOS: the Global Ocean Observing System

Examples of the instruments used

Moored instruments

Challenges of the deep ocean (compared to space) Satellites cant see below the sea surface Instruments have to withstand high pressure and corrosion No energy source (e.g. solar panels) Difficult for communications and imaging

But its only skin deep!

Unusual deep seabed features?

No – they came from the red planet, not the blue planet!

Techniques for observing the deep ocean Moorings Landers Lowered instruments Acoustics Cabled observatories New oceanographers!

Disaster warning - tsunamis

Tsunami warning networks

Seismic activity Not all seismic activity causes tsunamis

Japanese tsunami: predictions and observations itic.ioc-unesco.org

Analysis centres generate warnings

Vandalism is a major problem

Cables offer a solution Vandal-proof in the deep ocean Instantaneous communications Energy source Next generation commercial repeaters to include built-in tsunami sensors? Why not other sensors as well? –Ocean properties such as temperature and salinity –Seismometry –Passive acoustics

Passive acoustics has been used from cables before Blue whale migrations using SOSUS

Ocean acoustic pollution is a major issue IOC, Paris, Sept 2011

Conclusions The deep ocean is poorly observed Next generation cable repeaters could make a major impact Important climate variables could be measured Acoustic sensors would cast new light on marine mammals Cables offer the ideal solution for tsunami warning –Vandal resistant –Instant communications –Energy available –Could be a business opportunity –Or why not just be green and eco-friendly and improve your image! Suggestion: establish a small enthusiastic group to sketch out a limited pilot project

Cables are the future! TAT-1, Oban, Scotland Thank you!