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

• Biological vital rates
• Coral species and abundance
• Fish species and abundance
• Invertebrate species and abundance
• Marine mammal species and abundance
• Microbial species, abundance, and activity
• Nekton diet
• Phytoplankton species and abundance
• Sea birds species and abundance
• Sea turtles species and abundance
• Submerged aquatic vegetation species and abundance
• Sound
• Zooplankton species and abundance