IOOS Core Variables

The 34 IOOS Core Variables: Ocean observing measurements required to detect and predict changes in the ocean.

Physics

• Bathymetry
• Bottom character
• Currents
• Heat flux
• Ice distribution
• Salinity
• Sea level
• Surface waves
• Stream flow
• Temperature
• Wind speed and direction

Biogeochemistry

• Acidity
• Colored dissolved organic matter
• Contaminants
• Dissolved nutrients
• Dissolved oxygen
• Ocean color
• Optical properties
• Pathogens
• Partial pressures of CO2
• Total suspended matter

Biology and Ecosystems

• Hard coral cover and composition
• Macroalgal canopy cover and composition
• Mangrove cover and composition
• Seagrass cover and composition
• Microbe biomass and diversity
• Phytoplankton biomass and diversity
• Zooplankton biomass and diversity
• Invertebrate abundance and distribution
• Fish abundance and diversity
• Sea bird abundance and distribution
• Sea Turtle abundance and distribution
• Marine mammal abundance and distribution
• Ocean sound
• Ocean color