As the ocean absorbs increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, it causes changes in ocean chemistry. When carbon dioxide reacts with water, it creates carbonic acid, decreasing pH and carbonate ion concentration. Lower levels of pH in the ocean result in higher levels of acidity, causing "ocean acidification."

The second sccoos rapid response operation, focusing on support of ocean outfall repairs on the emergency Orange County Sanitation District outfall located 1 mile off the coast of Newport Beach.

On March 10th, 2011, a 9.0 earthquake occurred just off the east coast of Japan. The quake produced a tsunami that quickly hit the mainland of Japan and nearby islands, claiming lives, destroying homes and facilities including a nuclear plant. The tsunami waves spread in all directions throughout the Pacific Ocean.

The goal of the Cardiff Beach Erosion and Inundation Project is to develop field-validated, site-specific inundation models for use in providing real-time warnings of wave and tide-induced coastal inundation.

The Bight '08 Water Quality project aims to further research on the trigger conditions leading to harmful algal blooms within the Southern California Bight. The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) is leading this collaborative effort to coordinate sampling and analyses. SCCOOS provides near real-time data to help determine when sampling efforts should occur based on changing environmental conditions. For more information about the program, please visit SCCWRP Bight '08 Water Quality

Satellite imagery, meteorological data, and models for the October 2007 Southern California fires.

A rapid response effort to support the internal inspection and diversion of the Hyperion Plant 5-mile outfall located off the Los Angeles coast.

An intensive, collaborative nearshore and surfzone examination of the Huntington Beach region, conducted in October 2006.