Biogeochemical time-series programs were established to study long-term processes such as climate-driven changes in biogeochemistry, community structure, ecosystem changes and natural or anthropogenic changes in the ocean carbon cycle. They provide the oceanographic community with the multi-year, high-quality data needed for characterizing ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem variability, and represent one of the most valuable tools scientists have to characterize and quantify ocean carbon fluxes and their associated links to changing climate.

Time-series sites, especially those that require significant ship-time, are expensive and require long-term national and international commitments. Showing that these time-series sites contribute to a larger international network can help justify the investments that nations are making in these projects. It is also critical to maintain and improve synergies among sites, to facilitate research proposals utilizing the established facilities and to maximize the use of these platforms and the information they produce. The IOCCP, together with partner programs and organizations, works to develop a global network of biogeochemical time-series  with community best practices and regular data products that inform global and regional assessments. It also provides resources, coordination and a communication forum for the time-series community.

From: Discover Ocean Time Series (2015) by IGMETS (https://igmets.net) (IOC/BRO/2015/13)