Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory facts for kids

The former Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) was a science center in Liverpool, England. In April 2010, it joined with the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS) to form the National Oceanography Centre. Scientists at the Liverpool lab study the oceanography of our planet. They focus on global sea levels, how land and sea connect (geodesy), and creating computer models of ocean areas. They also study how sand and dirt move along coasts. This research helps us understand our oceans better.

POL was a world leader in predicting tides. It also helped model and forecast how seas near continents behave. It was home to important facilities like the Coastal Observatory in Liverpool Bay. It also housed the National Tidal and Sea Level Facility, the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level, and the British Oceanographic Data Centre.

How We Started Measuring Tides

The story of measuring tides in Liverpool began with Jeremiah Horrocks (1619–1641). He was born and died in Toxteth. Horrocks is famous for predicting and seeing Venus pass in front of the Sun in 1639. But he was also very interested in understanding ocean tides. He wanted to see if tides were linked to the Moon's movement. Before he died, he measured high tides on the Mersey coast for at least a month. Sadly, his tide measurements were lost during a war or a fire.

William Hutchinson (1716–1801) created the first long set of sea level measurements in the UK. He also collected a lot of weather information. He built the Bidston Lighthouse in 1771. Hutchinson measured the height and time of every high tide from 1764 to 1793. He did this at the Liverpool Old Dock. His measurements were very good. Scientists still use them today. Hutchinson's tide data from 1764–1767 helped others create the first public tide tables in the UK. These tables were first published in 1770 and used for over 200 years.

The 1800s: Growing Port Needs

In the 1800s, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board (MDHB) set up many advanced sea level stations. These were along the River Mersey, Dee, and nearby coasts. They provided the best tide information for Liverpool. This port became one of the most important in the British Empire. The data also helped with surveying and building along the coast. The main Liverpool stations were at George’s Pier and Prince's Pier. Today, these are near the Pier Head and Gladstone Dock. Together, these sites have the longest UK sea level record. It is also one of the longest in the world. This data helps scientists study long-term changes in sea levels. It also helps understand extreme sea levels that can cause floods.

In 1845, the MDHB opened the Liverpool Observatory at Waterloo Dock, Liverpool. It provided all the tide, weather, and star information that ship owners needed.

In 1866, the port grew even more. So, the Observatory moved to Bidston Hill on the Wirral. This was where Hutchinson had built his lighthouse. The new building was made from sandstone dug out for its deep cellars.

The 1900s: Focus on Science

In 1929, the Liverpool Observatory joined with the Liverpool University Tidal Institute. Its work then focused more on scientific research. This new institute became famous worldwide for sea level and tide research. Three of its directors were even members of the Royal Society. These were Joseph Proudman, Arthur Doodson, and David Cartwright.

The Institute focused on watching and predicting sea levels around the UK. It also worked to understand sea level changes globally. In 1933, the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level was started at Bidston by Proudman. It is still very important today. This understanding helps governments make plans for protecting coasts. It also helps international science groups, like those studying climate change.

We can predict the tide anywhere in the UK very accurately. The normal tide is caused by the pull of the Moon and Sun. This is called the astronomical tide. But sometimes, strong winds and low air pressure cause a storm surge. This is like an extra-high wave on top of the normal tide.

In 1953, a huge flood hit Sea Palling and other parts of the Norfolk Coast. This happened because a large storm surge came at high tide. This disaster led to the creation of the UK National Tide Gauge Network. It also led to the UK Storm Tide Forecasting System. The Institute helped develop computer models to predict UK storm surges days ahead. These models use weather forecasts. Now, the Met Office creates regular surge forecasts. The Environment Agency then uses these to issue flood warnings.

In 1965, the Liverpool Tidal Institute became part of the Natural Environment Research Council. In 1970, it merged with the National Institute of Oceanography. They formed the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences.

In 1979, a new building opened next to the Observatory. It was for staff and a large computer. It was named after Joseph Proudman. In 2004, it moved to a new building at the University of Liverpool. The Proudman building on Bidston Hill was torn down in 2012. In 1987, the Liverpool Tidal Institute was renamed the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory.

The 2000s: New Location, New Focus

In 2004, POL moved from Bidston to the University of Liverpool campus. Its main research areas became sea level science, shelf sea science, and computer modeling of ocean processes.

The Coastal Observatory

POL is home to the Coastal Observatory in Liverpool Bay. Its goal is to study how a typical coastal sea reacts to natural forces. It also looks at how human activities affect it. The Observatory combines real-time measurements with data from computer models. This creates a "coastal prediction system." The results are shown on the internet. The idea is to get data right away. They use special technology to send data from underwater to the sea surface, then to land, and finally to POL's website. This allows for what is called 'armchair oceanography'.

What the Observatory Measures

The Coastal Observatory aims to collect a continuous series of data over time. It is especially interested in things like storm surges, seasonal changes, and how much water rivers release. It pays special attention to the River Mersey. By August 2007, the Coastal Observatory in Liverpool Bay had been running for five continuous years. It takes many measurements, such as:

• Measurements of currents, temperature, and saltiness in the water. It also measures waves and weather. A second site now measures how cloudy the water is (turbidity) and how much plant life (chlorophyll) is in it.
• The CEFAS SmartBuoy measures surface properties like nutrients and chlorophyll.
• Special ferries measure temperature, saltiness, turbidity, and chlorophyll near the surface. The first route was from Liverpool to Douglas (Isle of Man). Another ferry travels between Birkenhead (Wirral) and Dublin (Ireland).
• Drifters measure surface currents and properties like temperature and saltiness.
• Tide gauges measure tides. They also have sensors for weather, waves, temperature, and saltiness.
• Weather data comes from HF radar and tide gauge sites.
• Shore-based HF radar measures waves and surface currents up to 50 kilometers away.
• Satellite data provides information. Infra-red data shows sea surface temperature. Visible light data shows chlorophyll and suspended sediment.

See also

• North West Shelf Operational Oceanographic System
• Liverpool Knowledge Quarter