1. The Carolinas Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (Caro-COOPS) Funded by the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration A partnership among the University of South Carolina, North Carolina State University, & the University of North Carolina-Wilmington

2. What is Caro-COOPS? A system of coordinated coastal observations for user-driven research:  An extensive array of instrumented moorings/stations  A comprehensive data management system  An advanced suite of integrated models

3. Primary measurements Instrumented moorings (10) Current velocity & direction, wave height/direction, temperature, salinity, pressure, chlorophyll Water level/meteorological stations (5) Supplement NOAA NWLON, NDBC, & C-MAN stations * 3 cross-isobath “picket fences” WLS, 10, 30, & 100+ m

5. Basic principles guiding the design of Caro-COOPS  Integrated architecture (spans the atmosphere, ocean, & land)  Flexible system for broad user base  Integration with other regional & national observing systems  Open access to long-term & real-time data  User-driven products

6. A comprehensive data management system… www.carocoops.org

7. A comprehensive data management system…

8. Integrated models… Central Caro-COOPS Goal: To establish reliable forecasting tools for regional coastal ocean processes Initial Demonstration: Real-time forecasts and analyses of storm surge and flooding before & after coastal storms NOAA Photo Library

9. Hugo Storm Surge Model Simulation This screenshot shows flooding elevations overlaying orthographic images of the Charleston peninsula from the 4 th to 8 th hours after Hugo has struck land. NCSU Coastal and Estuarine Modeling and Environmental Prediction System (CEMEPS)

10. Partnerships: NOAA CSC USC NCSU UNC at Wilmington SCDNR National Water Level Observation Network National Data Buoy Center With developing partnerships involving: North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR ACE Basin NERR Mote Marine Laboratory

11. Future Products  Improved forecasts of natural hazards  Alerts for anomalous conditions e.g. T/S extremes, hypoxia, HABs  New information relevant to fisheries e.g. essential fish habitat conditions, dispersal of eggs & larvae  New information on ocean/coastal conditions  Testbeds for new technologies related to port operations and homeland security

12. Contact info  www.caro-coops.org  Madilyn Fletcher, Director –fletcher@sc.edu fletcher@sc.edu –(803) 777-5288  Braxton Davis –bdavis@caro-coops.org bdavis@caro-coops.org –(803) 777-5538  Subscribe to our e-mail list for Caro-COOPS news and updates