Led by Prof. Katy Sheen University of Exeter, COSSMoSS is using cutting-edge acoustic techniques to capture small-scale ocean temperature patterns—bringing ocean physics into sharper focus, much like adjusting a blurry lens.

Why Do Small-Scale Flows Matter?

These small-scale ocean dynamics play a crucial role in shaping larger currents, helping to pump deep waters back to the surface and redistribute heat, carbon, and nutrients. By mapping these processes with unprecedented detail, COSSMoSS is unlocking new insights into how our oceans function—and how they influence the planet’s climate.

How can satellite data help?

During the COSSMOSS cruise on RRS James Cook in January 2025, NEODAAS delivered daily email bulletins containing the latest satellite images, giving researchers an overview of ocean conditions around the vessel. This near-real time data helped the team pinpoint key oceanographic features, allowing them to adapt sampling locations dynamically.

During the cruise, Copernicus Sentinel 3B’s Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) captured this spectacular image of a Coccolithophore bloom in the Falkland’s current up to the confluence with the Brazil current and Rio de la Plata. The enhanced ocean colour imagery provided by NEODAAS help distinguish different water properties, such as plankton blooms, suspended sediments, and pure water, offering valuable context for in-situ sampling.

(Above) The enhanced ocean colour image shows the blue-green colours of the ocean and is used to help distinguish different types of plankton or sediment. Pure water with low levels of phytoplankton looks blue; plankton blooms appear darker green or brown-red for more dense blooms; suspended sediment appears whiteish/yellow; and coccolithophore blooms appear brighter turquoise.

Topi Ehmen from the University of Exeter, speaking on behalf of the research team, shared their appreciation: “We are incredibly grateful for the high-quality data and outstanding support from NEODAAS that helped us make real-time, science-driven decisions at sea. Your data played a critical role in selecting sampling locations, particularly for drifter releases, and in assessing conditions for the Autosub Long Range (ALR).”

(Above) The RRS James Cook research vessel