Main description (English)

The CNR-ISMAR Marine Observing System (SOM) is a set of tools and technologies that are used for the monitoring and study of marine processes, including the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the oceans. SOM comprises a variety of facilities, including oceanographic vessels, fixed stations, buoys, moorings and elastic beacons, coastal monitoring stations, fixed sensors and mobile autonomous robotic platforms. This set of facilities enables the collection of real-time data on a range of environmental parameters, including water temperature, salinity, sea level and state, currents, nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations. Additionally, it facilitates the planning and implementation of experimental activities and campaigns for the study of specific phenomena and processes of specific interest. The data collected by the CNR-ISMAR SOM are employed in a variety of research endeavours, including the study and comprehension of oceanographic processes, the monitoring of marine pollution, the analysis of coastal area evolution, the evaluation of marine biodiversity, the analysis of the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and to provide useful information for the sustainable management of marine resources. The measurements are also of particular importance for the validation of modelling tools, developed by the Institute and by the scientific community in general, as well as for the validation of satellite observation products. Moreover, CNR-ISMAR engages in collaborative research with scientific institutions, universities, international organisations and government bodies with the objective of advancing marine research and achieving the goals of increasing knowledge in the context of international ocean monitoring and study projects. In this context, the CNR-ISMAR SOM represents a valuable resource for research and understanding of marine environments, providing essential data for the monitoring and sustainable management of the oceans.