The growth of the New Jersey Shelf Observing System for monitoring plumes and blooms on the Mid-Atlantic continental shelf

To study changes occurring within the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), we have constructed a shelf-wide ocean observatory. While initial efforts focused on using an undersea cable, our experience during a series of coastal predictive skill experiments demonstrated that spatial data were the most highly valued commodity. Because of this we have focused on developing a subsurface capability to mirror the existing satellite and HF radar capabilities. Currently in situ spatial data are collected with a fleet of autonomous underwater Sloccum Gliders to collect physical and biooptical data throughout the year. Our scientific efforts have focused on understanding biogeochemical dynamics on the MAB. Topographic steering of currents and its impact on material transport on the MAB plays a central role in transporting material from the nearshore to offshore slope waters. Additionally hypoxia and anoxia dynamics in the coastal MAB appear related to offshore dynamics. Gliders provide ideal platforms for tackling those problems.