Affiliation

SOLAS and the Observing Air-Sea Interactions Strategy (OASIS) are formalising a collaborative partnership to advance and deepen scientific understanding of ocean-atmosphere interactions. This partnership merges SOLAS's long-standing expertise in biogeochemical and physical processes with OASIS's leadership in physical flux observations and operational oceanography, enabling a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to observing, modeling, and understanding the dynamic air-sea interface.

Observing Air-Sea Interactions Strategy

OASIS, borne out of the OceanObs' 19 conference, began first as a Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) Working Group #162 that included a diverse range of OceanObs' 19 authors focused on synthesising more than 50 community white papers into a practical, integrated approach for observing air-sea interactions globally. With the ambitious goal to improve Earth system forecasts, assess carbon dioxided (CO₂) uptake, and provide valuable surface ocean information for decision-makers, while promoting healthy oceans and sustainable development, their first activity was to create a UN Ocean Decade programme by the same name. During this first half of the Ocean Decade, OASIS's core activities include establishing and enhancing global observational networks and satellite observations (particularly related to the energy cycle), identifying gaps in flux measurements and products, developing standardised observational protocols, and building capacity for making and using air-sea interaction observations and information globally, including in the Global South. Through OASIS efforts, an Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) global network for observing air-sea interactions has been formed and endorsed by the Observations Coordination Group overseeing Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).

Website: https://airseaobs.org/#main

Through this affiliation, OASIS will become an officially recognised partner in the upcoming SOLAS 2026–2035 science plan, while SOLAS will designate liaisons to the OASIS Scientific Steering Committee. Together, the two programs will co-develop integrated strategies from small-scale process studies to Earth System Model improvements and capacity building in the Global South to joint participation in significant international efforts such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Read the joint statement