Large-Scale Ocean Research Projects

Beginning with the International Indian Ocean Expedition in the early 1960s, SCOR has been instrumental in planning and coordinating several large-scale ocean research projects. SCOR provides a mechanism for international scientists to develop and implement such projects. In recent years, SCOR has been joined by the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and other organizations in promoting large-scale ocean research projects. The international versions of the Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics project, the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study, the Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere project, the World Ocean Circulation Experiment, and the Global Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms program resulted from SCOR working groups or other subsidiary groups.

Large-scale research projects develop priorities and coordinate global- or regional-scale research activities (field work, theoretical work, modeling), conducted and funded at the national or multinational level, that accomplish scientific goals that cannot be accomplished by individual nations alone. They primarily facilitate the production of peer-reviewed scientific publications at the national or international (project) level, including review articles. A project must adhere to SCOR's policies and practices to be considered for sponsorship by SCOR.