C4POCollaboratory for Physical Oceanography

Active project

MARACOOS: Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing

Aerial view of a yellow underwater glider at the surface beside the R/V Scallop during a Mid-Atlantic Bight deployment.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS) is one of eleven regional associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, observing the coastal ocean from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. As part of the MARACOOS glider network, C4PO conducts sustained autonomous glider deployments across the Mid-Atlantic Bight — monitoring shelf temperature, salinity, and stratification through events like the formation and breakdown of the summer Cold Pool and the passage of hurricanes. The data flow in real time to the IOOS Glider Data Assembly Center, where they support storm-intensity forecasting, regional ocean models, fisheries, and maritime operations across the Mid-Atlantic.

An underwater glider surfaces in the deep blue water of the Mid-Atlantic Bight.Close-up of an underwater glider at the surface during recovery.Donglai Gong with a Slocum glider on deck before deployment.Aerial view of the recovery boat approaching a surfaced glider on glassy water.

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