|
(1) Monitoring oceanographic changes induced by global warming and other factors
The surface of the ocean directly contacts with the atmosphere, so that heat generated by both the atmosphere and the ocean moves through the sea surface. In addition, CO2 gases are absorbed by and released from the sea. The reciprocal mechanism between sea and atmosphere is quite complex, and this vital subject is expected to attract ever increasing scientific attention. From a long-term perspective, it is believed that, as atmospheric temperature rises, its influence will be apparent even on the ocean surface. If, therefore, salinity and temperature data can be continuously accumulated with uniform accuracy over a wide area, it will become possible to capture changes manifested on the ocean surface. Such measurements, which can be provided by Vos vessels, will be most useful, in association with various other kinds of data, in scientifically clarifying the mechanism of climatic change induced by such phenomena as global warming. Moreover, the Vos data will not only be highly beneficial to the scientific community but will also broaden public interest in the marine environment.
(2) Verification of Numeric Models
It is a well-known fact that heat transported from low-latitude areas makes medium-to-high latitudes of the earth habitable by moderating the climate. Ocean currents, together with the atmosphere, play a key role in effectuating this heat transfer. Clarification of the flux of heat and materials through the atmosphere, ocean surfaces, and deep waters is one of the key elements in predicting global climatic change. Research is underway to develop numeric models to this end from a variety of vantage points, while temporal observations are being used to verify the efficacy of such models. Observations conducted by Vos vessels plying the same routes are, accordingly, of great potential value in this connection.
(3) Development of Dedicated Observations
Once Vos-generated data is proved to be of stable quality, it can also serve the need for object-oriented (special-purpose) observations. For instance, if pH measurements over a given year from a particular area were demonstrated to be effective in terms of achieving the objectives of a particular research program, then VOS Nippon, through collaboration with a research institute, university, or company, could initiate development of sensors and measurement methods conducive to use aboard its vessels to obtain the targeted data. Considering the many difficulties that inevitably arise over the course of a dedicated program of at-sea observations, the use of Vos vessels will facilitate expeditious fulfillment of the survey objectives.
(4) International Cooperation
Observation data generated by VOS Nippon are released to the general public and thus can be utilized freely throughout the world. For example, archival data for a particular VOS routing through Asian waters can be made a source of further analysis by research institutions in coastal areas along the subject route. In the case of public organizations in Japan planning to establish a cooperative monitoring network with coastal areas in Southeast Asia, VOS vessels could assume responsibility for a portion of these tasks. It can be expected that, in a variety of ways, data originating from Japan will contribute meaningfully to cooperative research programs around the globe geared to monitoring changes in the marine environment.
|
