Guide to best practices to study the ocean's surface.

Abstract

This guide is a deliverable of the SCOR SML working group. It reviews the most widely used SML sampling techniques and provides best practice sampling protocols for studying the ocean’s surface. This guide is a source of practical knowledge in the sampling and analysis of the ocean's surface that is communicated in a logical manner with step-by-step guidelines. It should help new researchers to implement SML sampling techniques and in situ monitoring into new projects, and to apply them quickly and reliably. The guide includes standard designs and handling of microlayer samplers and other devices, but also includes related sub-surface sampling techniques and the use of subsurface (water column) reference samples. The guide promotes the standardisation of sample collection and the use of descriptive parameters, including standard parameters to describe certain surface condition of the ocean, i.e. meteorology, chemical and biological indicators, and slick conditions.