Project Acronym/ID: 
GROOM
Project Duration: 
2011-2014
Project Status: 
Project Summary: 

The EU-funded GROOM (Gliders for research, ocean observation and management) project set out to fill gaps in current marine research infrastructures (RIs) for the benefit of science, industry and society. The new European infrastructure is based on several dedicated gliderports for the maintenance and operation of European gliders. GROOM scientists investigated and documented the advantages of using gliders for ocean prediction and optimal sampling in the OOSs as well as the policy and management of data collected by gliders. Authorities were approached regarding safety and legal aspects of glider operations and possible financial models were reviewed. In addition, the team carried out studies on performing synergistic experiments with other platforms and the testing of new sensors.

Project partners studied the innovation aspect of operating gliders. They analysed a variety of novel sensors available in the market and under development, as well as their readiness for gliders. These sensors pave the way for broad perspectives in the design of experiments with gliders for physical, chemical and biological ocean research. Data flow and work flow protocols and formats were developed. GROOM also defined and implemented a dedicated data management system for gliders in Europe. Trial glider deployments were undertaken to test and assess the designed fleet operation techniques. Synergies with other ocean observing platforms were also explored, including testing sensor deployment. The team analysed existing European glider infrastructure and defined a future European infrastructure for gliders based on the current state of play.

GROOM drew up a roadmap to establish and implement a European RI during the period 2015-2020. It will be most useful for academic oceanographic research and operational oceanography systems, which provide crucial information on marine activities to the commercial sector, governmental organisations and recreational users.

Project Website: 
http://www.groom-fp7.eu/doku.php?id=public:contact
Project: 
Hydrographic model simulations for Malta’s marine waters to quantify and investigate pressures in the marine environment
Key Contacts : 

Name: Pr. Laurent Mortier and Dr. Pierre Testor 

Laboratoire d'Océanographie et de Climatologie : Expérimentations et Approches Numériques (LOCEAN-IPSL)
Institut Pierre Simon Laplace 
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, aile 45-55, 4ème étage, case 100
4, Place Jussieu 
75252 Paris cedex 05, France
Phone: +33 1 4427-7275 
Fax: +33 1 4427-3805

Email: laurent.mortier@locean-ipsl.upmc.fr

Institution: LOCEAN-IPSL

Deliverables Text: 

Data flow within the Glider European Research Infrastructure -  http://cordis.europa.eu/docs/results/284/284321/final1-geri-dataflow.pdf

Helping marine  science reach new depths -  http://cordis.europa.eu/docs/results/284/284321/final1-groom-international-innovation-2volets.pdf

Modular Organization of the Glider European Research Infrastructure - http://cordis.europa.eu/docs/results/284/284321/final1-geri-modular-organization.pdf

GROOM Deliverables (in general – mainly minutes of meetings etc.) - http://www.groom-fp7.eu/doku.php?id=public:deliverables

Funding Programme Text: 
FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES