Monitoring
The monitoring module refers to the collection of data needed to support the CLEAR ecosystem forecasting system.
Simulation models can provide insights into the effectiveness of proposed restoration measures by linking ecological attributes to specific mechanisms of system behavior. Effective monitoring programs benefit the process of simulation modeling by providing descriptions of real system response, or feedback to refine the model’s predictive output. The linkage of modeling & monitoring are essential to effective adaptive management & assessment of restoration planning and evaluation.
The monitoring module is closely linked to the data integration module. Although the CLEAR Program does not oversee or directly collect data from monitoring stations, the CLEAR Program regularly locates, prepares, & transfers monitoring data to the modeling community. CLEAR Program participants also help coordinate & optimize the monitoring parameters of stations currently in place & proposed locations for those planned for deployment in the future.
| Category | Variables | Sampling frequency |
| Water condition | salnity, conductivity, temperature, water level, turbidity | 15 min. inland; 2 min. nearshore |
| Water quality | dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, fluorescence | 15 min. inland; 2 min. nearshore |
| Suspended sediment | suspended sediments | 15 min. inland; 2 min. nearshore |
| Wave | current velocity, current profile, wave height, wave period, wave direction, wave spectrum | 2048 samples per hour |
| Current velocity | current speed, current direction | 6 min. inland; 2 min. nearshore |
| Discharge | discharge transects | monthly |
| Meteorologic conditions |
precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, evaporation, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation, quantum radiation | hourly |
The U.S. Geological Survery created an Internet MapServer that shows the various monitoring stations in Gulf of Mexico Region. To access information about the monitoring stations, access the site & click on 'All Layers,' then click on 'Monitoring Stations,' & select 'Coastwide Multi-Agency.' Click 'Update Map' & use the 'identity' option to get information about location, variables measures, contact person, etc. for a particular monitoring station.
The U.S. Geological Survey along with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources also developed a Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS). The CRMS monitoring approach includes deploying a suite of stations at sites that encompass the range of ecological conditions common to coastal Louisiana. The idea is that trajectories in reference sites can be compared with project-related trajectories over time. The approach will serve a fundamental model in evaluating the effects of restoration projects.
For more information on Monitoring, view these publications:
Data Collection Network to Support Ecosystem Forecasting for the Barataria Basin - Mississippi River Domain
Data Collection Network to Support Ecosystem Forecasting for the Barataria Basin - Mississippi River Domain
Open Water Monitoring to Support Coastal Restoration
Modeling & Monitoring