By Socializing, COnnecting, Perfecting and Expanding existing or emerging observation networks, C-SCOPE wants to bring marine Carbon observations to a new level.
IOW's contribution (to WP1) comprises as observation component a demonstration study in the Baltic Sea on the synergistic combination of BGC-Argo with an existing Ship of Opportunity Line (SOOP) of the SOCONET/ICOS network. In addition to testing and implementing a pCO₂ sensor as a second CO₂ parameter on BGC-Argo floats, it will serve to quantify and deepen the understanding of oceanic CO₂ uptake in relation to anthropogenic drivers, which will also be achieved through close cooperation between the observation component and ecosystem modelling at IOW.
An improved understanding of CO₂ drivers and dynamics as well as associated time scales directly aids in better predicting CO₂ uptake capacity as a basis for sustainable management. In order to perfect and expand marine carbon observation as well as to allow the transfer to other coastal marine regions, the demonstration study in the Baltic Sea will be used (in WP3) as a basis for an estimation of optimised observation parameters (qualitative and quantitative) in order to effectively and sustainably determine the CO₂ uptake capacity and to detect anthropogenically induced changes at an early stage that allows countermeasures to be taken, if necessary.
The results obtained can then be translated into concrete recommendations for action using existing structures in the Baltic Sea region such as Baltic Earth and HELCOM. Furthermore, they are to be incorporated into a national implementation plan for the sustainable organisation of marine carbon measurements within the framework of ICOS and BGC-Argo in order to provide reliable CO₂ data for research and the generation of socially relevant applications.