What is VOS Nippon |
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| 1. What is Vos? Vos is an acronym for "Voluntary Observing Ships". We equip private commercial vessels with observation gear to measure water temperature, salinity, and other properties, with findings publicly released. |
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2. Why Vos ? Oceans cover approximately 2/3 of the earth's surface, while seawater comprises over 97% of the entire earth's surface water. It is estimated that seawater contains about 50 times more carbon dioxide (CO2) than the atmosphere. Naturally, changes in the global environment cannot be understood without an accurate assessment of the role of the oceans therein. Actually, however, many factors are as yet unknown with respect to what occurs in the ocean. In order to deepen our knowledge of these vast oceans, many countries are joining hands in oceanographic research, using satellites, buoys and research vessels. Commercial vessels, too, that sail the world's seas can be functionally equipped to collect data during their voyages and thereby help to shed light on the oceanic mechanism. |
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3. Why an NPO? Launching a satellite, surveying deep ocean floors using a submerged research vehicle, processing numerical models on a super-computer for forecast - none of these projects can be undertaken without forming a large, specialized organization for the task. On the other hand, in terms of having equipment installed on a commercial vessel and collecting data at the port of return for broad public dissemination, an NPO is ideally equipped to handle these functions, owing to its mobility and public service orientation. |
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4. What sort of activities does VOS Nippon perform? In order to enlist the cooperation of private vessels, which operate in a highly competitive market, as Vos participants, equipment must be developed and installed that permits automatic measurements, yet is both simple to operate and highly reliable. Seawater branched from ship's cooling seawater for air-conditioner flows through the sensor unit, and temperature and salinity are measured at every minute, with time and position. Upon entering port, the data gathered by the vessel are collected and the sensors and other device checked to ensure consistent accuracy. The assembled data must then be processed and organized for prompt release over the Internet for free and unrestricted use. |
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5. What kind of data can Vos produce? Data are collected on surface water temperature and salinity. In Asian sea‚“, chlorophyll fluorescence was measured during June 2002 and November 2005. Data are logged at one minute interval, with time and position. Whenever necessary, participating vessels are asked to sample seawater during their cruises in offshore area in Japan, which will later be analyzed for measured data verification and/or correction. Water temperature (heat) and salinity exert a direct influence on the atmosphere and are also key elements driving oceanic circulation. Chlorophyll fluorescence is an index of basal productive power, based on photosynthesis of phytoplankton, and so intimately involved in terrestrial carbon circulation. In the near future, with continued progress in measuring technology and sensor development, more varied and even more sophisticated observations should become possible, allowing Vos to expand its range of measurement targets. |
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6. How is Vos Data Used? In addition to showing us present conditions on the ocean surface, data from Vos vessels can also be of direct assistance in the following areas:
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