The 2026 version of the Surface Ocean CO₂ Atlas (SOCAT) as well as the newest version of Global Ocean Data Analysis Project (GLODAP) were released in June and July respectively.
The Surface Ocean CO₂ Atlas (SOCAT) is the world’s largest open-access collection of surface ocean carbon dioxide measurements. The version released on June 16, 2026 includes about 44 million quality-controlled surface ocean CO₂ observations collected from 1957 to 2025, showing the scale of international effort behind this dataset.
Scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) play a leading role in advancing ocean carbon observations with support from NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program (GOMO). Through the international Ships of Opportunity Program (SOOP), AOML researchers with the Ocean Carbon group install and maintain underway pCO2 instruments on cargo vessels, cruiseliners, and research ships that measure the surface ocean’s exchange of carbon dioxide with the atmosphere. As the data are relayed in near real-time the team supports the global SOOP effort to quality-control all data so that they can be incorporated in the latest version of SOCAT.
Scientists at AOML also contribute data to the GLODAP product by continuing to lead repeat, hydrographic research cruises via the GO-SHIP program. AOML completed their latest GO-SHIP cruise occupation of line A16S earlier this year. These cruises are aimed at collecting the highest quality physical and biogeochemical measurements from the surface to deep ocean. The data from these cruises are incorporated into GLODAP to provide a comprehensive and highly quality controlled data product for the global research community to use.
