imos

Imos typically refers to the Integrated Marine Observing System, an Australian national research infrastructure dedicated to coordinating ocean observation, data collection, and data management. Established in the mid-2000s as part of national science funding programs, IMOS aims to provide long-term, high-quality marine data to support climate research, ocean forecasting, ecology, fisheries, and coastal management.

The IMOS network spans the Australian coast and surrounding regions and integrates a range of observation platforms, including moorings, autonomous vehicles, ships, satellites, and ocean color sensors. It collects diverse data types such as physical properties (temperature, salinity, currents, waves), chemical tracers (nutrients, carbon chemistry), and biological indicators (phytoplankton pigments). The data are organized and stored in the IMOS data system, with a public-facing data portal that enables researchers, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders to access datasets and metadata.

IMOS emphasizes standardized methodologies, quality control, and open data access to maximize interoperability and reuse. Data products from IMOS support climate variability studies, environmental monitoring, weather and ocean forecasting, marine ecosystem research, and evidence-based policy development. Governance typically involves a national steering framework with participation from universities, government agencies, and research institutions, funded by government programs and partner organizations. The system also collaborates with international ocean observing initiatives to contribute to global ocean science.

Other uses of the term imos exist, including as a surname and, in some contexts, as a name for mathematical techniques or organizations not related to the Australian observing system.