Science and Technology University Research Network (SATURN)

Science and Technology University Research Network (SATURN) is a a river-to-shelf collaboratory.

SATURN is an integration of networked sensors, platforms, models, data, analyses and social processes. SATURN outputs include time series at endurance stations and pioneer arrays, and models that function as a Virtual Columbia River.


Observation Network
The SATURN observation network is a combination of fixed and mobile assets, enabling the generation of both sustainable long-term time series at anchor locations and episodic highly-resolved spatial surveys.

SATURN observational assets are inherently inter-disciplinary, and extend across the Columbia River estuary, plume and shelf.

Modeling System
The SATURN modeling system is a combination of inter-disciplinary forecasts, simulation databases, and scenario simulations, ultimately covering all Pacific Northwest estuaries and connecting shelf. Early emphasis is on the Columbia River (CR) estuary-plume-shelf system and simulations of 3D baroclinic circulation.

Circulation products of the SATURN modeling system include daily forecasts, simulation databases extending from 1999 to present, and simulations of scenarios of large-scale (tectonic and climate) change and of anthropogenic impact.

Cyber-infrastructure
The SATURN modeling system and observation network are integrated via an end-to-end computational infrastructure. This infrastructure provides real-time access to observation network data as well as timely access to a wide range of quality-controlled data, derived data-products, and modeling system outputs.

Affiliations
SATURN is built upon and substantially expands a pioneering coastal margin observatory, CORIE. SATURN and CORIE are affiliated networks of the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observation Systems (NANOOS), the Pacific Northwest component of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).