Legal Definitions - Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) is the scientific research arm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its primary mission is to conduct and support research that advances our understanding of Earth's oceans and atmosphere, providing the scientific foundation for NOAA's services and environmental stewardship. OAR's work spans a wide range of disciplines, including climate science, weather forecasting, marine ecosystems, and coastal resilience, often leading to innovations that protect lives and property, enhance economic prosperity, and inform environmental policy.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:

• Imagine a team of scientists at an OAR laboratory developing new models to predict the long-term impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities in Florida. They are studying how changes in ocean temperature and ice melt contribute to sea-level rise, and how these changes might affect infrastructure, ecosystems, and human populations over the next several decades. This research, funded and conducted by OAR, provides critical data and projections that local and state governments can use to plan for future development, implement protective measures, and adapt to environmental changes, directly illustrating OAR's role in providing scientific understanding for environmental stewardship and policy decisions.

• Consider a situation where meteorologists are working to improve the accuracy of hurricane intensity forecasts. Researchers within OAR might be developing and testing new sensor technologies that can be deployed into hurricanes by aircraft, or creating advanced computer algorithms that better integrate satellite data to predict a storm's strengthening or weakening. Their goal is to give communities more precise warnings, allowing for better evacuation planning and resource allocation. This effort demonstrates OAR's commitment to advancing weather forecasting capabilities, which directly contributes to public safety and economic resilience by reducing the impact of severe weather events.

• Picture scientists investigating the health of coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. An OAR-supported research team might be studying the effects of ocean acidification and warming waters on coral bleaching events, or exploring new methods for coral restoration. They collect data on water chemistry, marine biodiversity, and coral growth rates to understand the threats to these vital ecosystems. The findings from this research are then used by NOAA and other agencies to develop conservation strategies, manage marine protected areas, and inform international agreements aimed at preserving marine life, showcasing OAR's role in understanding and protecting marine environments.