PROGRAM TITLE: Ocean Research ACTIVITY STREAM: Observations, Processes, Modeling SCIENCE ELEMENT:Climate and Hydrological System, Biogeochemical Dynamics DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DESCRIPTION: Ocean research was initiated by DOE in 1989 with the objectives to: 1) improve the treatment of heat and CO2 transport in ocean models; 2) produce a global description of the carbonate system for the calibration and verification of ocean carbon cycle models; and 3) develop advanced instrumentation for monitoring the ocean's physical and chemical state. The program uses laboratory and field measurements, advanced models, new instrumentation and remote sensing techniques to provide needed scientific information. The scientific basis for the program evolved with advice from the NAS Ocean Studies Board, and the advocacy of the CEES and NSF. The rationale for many program elements is given in the science and implementation plans for the WOCE and JGOFS programs. Global CO2 Survey includes the measurement of CO2 parameters during the WOCE Hydrographic Program expeditions to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The CO2 data are obtained simultaneously with hydrographic sections so that global transport of CO2 can be estimated in evaluating alternative fossil-fuel management and land-use strategies. Ocean Process Studies use state-of-the-art, numerical models to develop more efficient and physically realistic parameterizations of key processes such as dense-water production and surface-layer mixing in coupled atmosphere- ocean models for climate prediction. In addition to modeling, laboratory and field experiments are being conducted to define gas exchange velocities for CO2 and other radiatively active trace gases and to develop algorithms for making global estimates of CO2 uptake by remote sensing techniques. Development of Instrumentation seeks to attain sufficient accuracy in oceanic CO2 measurements to detect the anthropogenic CO2 perturbation directly. Working with the NRL, DOE researchers are developing microwave radiometers to monitor global air-sea CO2 exchange from space. DOE is also developing inexpensive, micro-power chemical sensors to provide sea truth for satellite observations. STAKEHOLDERS: The CO2 data set will be invaluable for U.S. and international carbon-cycle modeling efforts to define global sources and sinks of anthropogenic CO2. DOE's CO2 measurement techniques are used by international programs (SCOR, CCCO, and IGBP) to monitor trends of oceanic CO2 and for collaborative studies with NOAA, NSF, and foreign nations to develop systems to meet new accuracy standards. The program maintains close coordination with global change research conducted by other agencies (NOAA, ONR, NASA, and NSF) such as the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) and the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS). SHORT-TERM POLICY PAYOFFS: The data from this program will reduce large uncertainties about the relative strength of terrestrial and oceanic CO2 sources and sinks and increase confidence in policy options for resource management designed to control and mitigate CO2 emissions. Ocean models are the only available way to estimate the present and future oceanic CO2 uptake as part of atmospheric CO2 projections. The process studies are helping policy makers understand the effects of the ocean on the rate of climate change. PROGRAM CONTACT:Michael R. Riches, DOE, ER-74, Washington, DC 20585, 301-903-3264