Objectives:

• Map out strategies to ensure sensor technologies are developed for long-term autonomous deployment;
• Build a sensor capacity for the environmental observational networks for the high priority parameters identified within research community reports;
• Build a multidisciplinary community of researchers who will help interested federal agencies develop research plans that meet these needs; and
• Provide community guidance to help shape future NSF program announcements in this area.

Several research communities in recent years have discussed the critical need for new and enhanced environmental sensors for environmental observational networks. Of particular concern are those that measure biological and chemical parameters (as well as fluxes). This need is being driven by the many observatory networks, covering the interests of many disciplines, being proposed or currently funded (NEON, ORION, EarthScope, CLEANER, CUAHSI, etc.). These initiatives require sensors that can be emplaced for long time periods and sometimes in harsh environments.

Our workshop will use “use case scenarios” designed around the science that is driving the need for new observatory systems. We are planning on having six different use case scenarios, each of them discussing these main points:

• What are the key sensor needs driven by each use case scenario?
• How can sensor developers take advantage of new and emerging technologies for sensor design and help ensure that the needs for priority measurements are met?
• How can sensor users create strategies by which the long-term deployment and maintenance of sensors can be ensured?; and
• What is the potential for applications in other fields?
• How can we take a holistic approach to address the dynamics at the interfaces between physical, chemical, biological and human dimensions?

Participants will be asked to formulate and discuss innovative ways of developing sensing capability on parameters that are essential to characterize the environments outlined in the use cases. We expect that these discussions will also address biofouling, dynamic and measurement ranges needed from these sensors, and other related systems issues.