Enhanced scientific competitiveness of European research infrastructures
HiAOOS will pilot and validate a multipurpose underwater mooring system for ocean observing (ice-ocean observations, acoustic thermometry, and passive acoustics), and underwater geo-positioning. The mooring system will provide data from a region where the existing RIs have large gaps in the data coverage. The possibilities to operate floats and gliders with a cluster of sensors will provide unique window into the ocean environment under the ice, enabling European scientists to be in the forefront of ocean science.
HiAOOS will pilot and validate a multipurpose underwater mooring system for ocean observing (ice-ocean observations, acoustic thermometry, and passive acoustics), and underwater geo-positioning. The mooring system will provide data from a region where the existing RIs have large gaps in the data coverage. The possibilities to operate floats and gliders with a cluster of sensors will provide unique window into the ocean environment under the ice, enabling European scientists to be in the forefront of ocean science.
Methods and tools developed for exploitation of the new observing capabilities will be offered to several European RIs (e.g., EPOS, Euro-Argo, ICOS, and Copernicus Marine Service Arctic In Situ TAC) to enhance their competitiveness in Arctic observing. HiAOOS will use sustained data infrastructures (e.g., NMDC, eCUDO, PANGAEA) to promote data products towards European and national e-infrastructures such as EMODnet and SIOS.
Innovation in companies and increased technological level of industries within ocean observing
HiAOOS have four companies involved as partners, who will build on their expertise in subsea operations. The Arctic Ocean and the adjacent seas have become increasingly important because of climate change and the potential for new energy resources, fisheries resources, ship traffic and other drivers. The companies are currently exploring business opportunities in connection with offshore wind, aquaculture, green transport, deep sea mining, and other emerging industries.
The network of acoustic sources in HiAOOS will give underwater technology companies in Europe the opportunity to test out geo-positioning of underwater vehicles such as floats and gliders. The market for Argo floats is already significant (ca. 4000 floats are in operation per year) and is expected to grow when floats can operate under sea ice in the Polar regions. The market for gliders is also growing because they are very effective tools for gathering data from the ocean and can carry a great variety of instruments.
HiAOOS will stimulate significant innovation activities connected to data retrieval from different underwater installations as well as recharging of batteries using dedicated ROVs. The goal is to increase the operational time for observing systems before surface vessels are needed for maintenance. Successful results of the HiAOOS field experiments can revolutionize the operation of moorings and other underwater systems in the Arctic and elsewhere. This will impact subsea inspection and intervention operations in remote areas, and thereby reduce the environmental footprint of such operations.
Research infrastructures in local, regional and global innovation systems
Research infrastructures and research communities with cross cutting interests in improving observations in the Arctic will be invited to the workshops together with subsea technology providers and companies offering digital solutions. The expected outcome of the workshops is increased collaboration between RIs and industry and innovative solutions in ocean observing, including methods and tools for exploiting the observations.