Multi-Scale Observations of the Ocean Surface: Sensors, Science and Processes

Dear Colleagues,

Characterizing the ocean surface across scales remains a central scientific and technological challenge in marine observation. Physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring at the ocean–atmosphere interface evolve over seconds to seasons and from centimeter‐scale roughness to basin‐scale circulation patterns. Capturing this complexity requires integrated, multi-platform observing strategies supported by innovative sensor technologies, robust data workflows, and advanced analytical methodologies. In recent years, rapid developments in hardware miniaturization, autonomous systems, remote sensing, and data manipulation have opened the way to a new generation of observational capabilities that can dramatically enhance our understanding of surface processes and their broader environmental implications.

For this Special Issue, we invite contributions that advance the state of the art in ocean surface observation through multi-scale, multi-platform, and cross-disciplinary approaches. The multiscale dimension is expected to emerge from the collection of contributions as a whole rather than being explicitly addressed in every paper. In-depth analyses of single observing systems are, therefore, welcome, providing the foundation for meaningful comparison and integration across scales.

Submissions may focus on the following:

• Observing components and systems, including buoys, wave gliders, autonomous surface vehicles, drifters, moored arrays, shore-based and shipborne radar systems, microwave and HF radars, optical and infrared imaging, and UAV-, aircraft-, or satellite-borne instruments for synoptic or persistent coverage;
• Advanced data processing and analysis, such as uncertainty quantification, signal processing (spectral and time–frequency methods), novel retrieval algorithms, machine learning and edge computing for data reduction, anomaly detection, real-time analytics, and mission optimization;
• System comparison and integration within a network perspective, including sensor network architectures, cross-platform calibration and validation, harmonization of in situ observations with satellite products, and integration of heterogeneous data streams for coherent multi-scale descriptions of surface dynamics.

Beyond technological advancements, this Special Issue aims to highlight scientific applications that demonstrate the value of multi-scale observations. Relevant case studies may involve coastal hazard monitoring, extreme-event characterization, air–sea interaction processes, marine pollution tracking, ecosystem assessments, or contributions to climate monitoring frameworks. Interdisciplinary approaches linking physical oceanography, remote sensing science, environmental monitoring, and marine engineering are particularly encouraged.

By assembling contributions from researchers, technologists, and practitioners working across the marine observation spectrum, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging strategies for observing the ocean surface. Our objective is to foster dialogue, identify technology gaps, and promote the maturation of integrated observing systems that can support operational forecasting, environmental stewardship, and long-term Earth system monitoring.

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Battista Rossi
Dr. Marco Picone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.