Recent advances in in situ optical sensors and data platforms - together with new techniques for data analysis - hold enormous promise for advancing scientific understanding of biogeochemical processes through high frequency measuring of important parameters over large spatial scales. For example, measurements that capture the variability in fresh water systems over time help to assess how shifts in seasonal runoff, changes in precipitation intensity and increased frequencies of disturbances such as fire and insect outbreaks affect the storage, production, and transport of constituents such as carbon and nitrogen in watersheds. Real-time sensors also provide tools for early trend detection, help identify monitoring gaps and ensure timely data for science-based decision support across a range of issues related to ecosystems and human health.

Developing networks of optical sensors in freshwater systems that report reliable and comparable data across and between sites remains an important challenge. This three-day workshop will assemble a diverse group of scientists and managers to identify opportunities and begin developing community standards for making nationally-consistent, high-quality environmental measurements with optical sensors. The workshop will focus on the complete life cycle of sensor deployment:

Sensor Deployment → Network Design → Data Transmission →
Data Management → Data Visualization and Analysis

Workshop discussions/breakouts will include:

• Identifying the near- and long-term uses and capabilities for in situ optical data
• Identifying the critical needs (infrastructure, data analysis, etc.) required to implement in situ optical sensors in existing and planned networks
• Identifying the steps to optimize the application of in situ optical sensor deployments in rivers and streams
• Developing guidelines for instrument performance, calibration and validation
• Developing a vision for the next generation of optical sensors needed to support water-quality monitoring in rivers and streams

Sponsors

USGS Office of Water Quality and the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI)

Participation and Cost Details

This workshop seeks participation from a broad cross section of those interested in optical water quality sensors, including:

1. scientists with demonstrated interest in high frequency water quality data,
2. field researchers with some experience with the use of in situ optical instruments, and
3. program directors seeking to use such sensors for continuous water quality monitoring.

Vendor representatives who have field research and application experience will also be included.

We seek to make this workshop a rewarding and exciting experience. Our funds are limited, so we are able to pay the cost for the facility and the invited speakers, but each participant will be responsible for their own travel, room and board. Room and board are available at the National Conservation Training Center for $128.00 per day.

Workshop participation will be limited to 40 participants. To ensure that the workshop represents the greatest degree of diversity of perspective and expertise, you will be asked to describe your experience and interest in the various workshop topics during the pre-registration process. Applications can be submitted on-line starting March 15 and will be accepted until April 20.

Invitations and instructions for workshop registration will be issued on April 30. Participants will be asked to confirm their registration by May 15.

A registration fee of $100.00 will be required at the time of registration.

Workshop site

The workshop site is the National Conservation Training Center. Workshop housing will be on site or nearby. All meals will be taken as a group on site to promote group interactions. The NCTC has 5 miles of paved footpaths throughout its wooded campus—an outstanding environment for bird-watching, jogging, and nature photography. Rugged hiking trails take you through eastern hardwood forests and Potomac River meadows. [Driving directions | Shuttle service available | Google map]

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation