IOCCP as Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Biogeochemistry Expert Panel is happy to announce the release of GOOS Biogeochemistry Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) Specification Sheets version 2.0! The 2017 revision is the result of GOOS-wide dedicated efforts to better harmonize the EOV and associated concepts across all disciplines: physics & climate, biogeochemistry, biology & ecosystems; and to align the EOVs closer with the corresponding Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) developed by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS - see the 2016 GCOS Implementation Plan for details).

You can download the updated Biogoechemistry EOV Specification Sheets from our site HERE, and access the most recent versions of all GOOS EOVs from this site: www.goosocean.org/eov 

The Specification Sheets were updated in terms of their structure and content in response to recommendations from GOOS expert panel members and thanks to feedback obtained from the community over the 18 months since the Specification Sheets were first published online in February 2016. These changes include revisions of several of the Biogeochemistry EOV names: Inorganic Carbon (formerly Carbonate System), Nutrients (formerly Inorganic Macronutrients), Oxygen (formerly Dissolved Oxygen) and Particulate Matter (formerly Suspended Particulates).

Though significantly updated, the 2017 Biogeochemistry EOV Specification Sheets should still be considered 'work in progress.' Acknowledging all the input already provided, we kindly invite the community to contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions, comments and suggestions, which we will carefully consider prior to future updates.

Through this 2017 update to the Biogeochemistry EOVs, performed alongside similar efforts on the Physics & Climate and Biology & Ecosystems EOVs, we contribute to furthering the implementation of the Framework for Ocean Observing, and we hope that this effort will trigger our community to become even more engaged in building the multidisciplinary, fit-for-purpose global ocean observing system.