Emerging needs and existing links in distributed ocean science research data sets

The multidisciplinary nature of the oceanographic sciences results in tremendous heterogeneity in marine data sets and data systems. This presents notable challenges for data representation, quality assurance, storage, curation, archiving, access and management. As oceanographic measurements become more global, sustained and adaptive in their operation, interoperability of data management systems is essential to allow continuing insight and discovery into how the oceans work, and our understanding of the range of processes taking place in over 70% of the planet's surface.