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This project will employ next generation Wave Gliders equipped with CO2 and pH sensing payloads. The pilot phase of the project will enable the subsequent completion of a multi-year survey of a 13,000,000 sq-nmi region of the southern Pacific Ocean. This research project addresses the urgent need for CO2 and ocean pH observations to support global climate change and ocean acidification modeling and prediction efforts. The technology demonstrated and data collected will enable advances in ocean carbon cycle science that will significantly improve our understanding of oceanic CO2 uptake and release and oceanic acidification processes. As such, the project has broad implications for global climate change policy formulation and associated impacts upon social and economic activities (fisheries, tourism) and infrastructures. Twelve Wave Gliders (in 6 separate courses, each with two gliders) will be equipped with CO2 and pH sensing payloads on a multi-year mission to continuously collect CO2 and ocean acidification data in a 13,000,000 sq-nmi region of the southeastern Pacific Ocean.  |