The Carolinas Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (Caro-COOPS) is based upon an instrumented array of coastal and offshore moorings, which are being deployed off of the coast of the Carolinas.
The information from this observing system will be used to monitor and model estuarine and coastal ocean conditions, as well as develop predictive tools and ultimately forecasts for coastal managers.
The initial product of Caro-COOPS is an advanced, integrated storm surge model, based on real-time monitoring of hydrologic and meteorological conditions and processed by state-of-the-art computer models.
Future applications of Caro-COOPS information will include water quality and transport of pollutants, sediment transport and shoreline stability, and the state of the fisheries.
Caro-COOPS also includes a sophisticated information management infrastructure designed to process and deliver information to a variety of public users, as well as to model applications.
Caro-COOPS is a partnership among the University of South Carolina, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
It is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.