About UG2
UG2 is a community-based coalition aimed at bolstering scientific collaboration and information/resource sharing for glider operators, data users, manufacturers, academia, and government agencies.
Origin of UG2
UG2 was a recommended outcome of the U.S. Underwater Glider Workshop in January 2017. This workshop was planned and executed by the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) Glider Task Team which was established to address the needs outlined in the white paper: Toward a U.S. IOOS® Underwater Glider Network Plan: Part of a comprehensive subsurface observing system.
Attendees of the workshop strongly emphasized the need for a user group to exchange information on glider capabilities, scientific and operational accomplishments and challenges, data handling, and opportunity areas for glider applications. As outlined in the U.S. Underwater Glider Workshop report, the proposed UG2 would act as a galvanizing entity of the U.S. glider community to encourage this information exchange.
Mission
Establish a community that facilitates sharing and cooperation in the following areas:
- Share experiences related to gliders and glider sensor technology
- Communicate the most recent science and monitoring objectives accomplished using gliders
- Share approaches to logistical and operational challenges
- Compare approaches to glider data handling, including quality control, formats, and distribution
- Provide a means for ongoing communication about opportunities and needs for gliders
- Collect, develop, vet and communicate recommendations on best practices to a growing glider community and a developing national glider network.
This list is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive because the main objective is to form an inclusive community.
What Are Gliders?
Gliders are a unique and important observing system used to serve a variety of subsurface observing missions. Gliders can monitor water currents, temperature, tagged animals and conditions that reveal effects from storms, impacts on fisheries, and the quality of our water.
This information creates a more complete picture of what is happening in the ocean, as well as trends scientists might be able to detect. These versatile vehicles collect information from deep water, as well as at the surface, at lower cost and less risk than ever before. As scientists deploy more gliders, they are revolutionizing how we observe our ocean. This technology propels us closer to that revolution.
Join UG2
The UG2 Steering Committee, established in 2020, represents various facets of the community and works to provide vision, support and guidance for advancing an active, widespread community of glider users that promotes ocean information, innovation, and integration. Each Steering Committee serves a two-year term.