About - topmoon2

About

Quick link : People Abstract Background Goals Tasks Sub-projects Connection International collaborations References

People

Principal Investigators :
Sen Jan: Professor at Institute of Oceanography and Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Ming-Huei Chang: Professor at Institute of Oceanography and Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Je-Yuan Hsu: Assistant Professor at Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
Yu-Hsin Cheng: Assistant Professor at Department of Marine Environmental Informatics, National Taiwan Ocean University
Vianney Denis: Professor at Institute of Oceanography and Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Chih-Lin Wei: Professor at Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
Yu-Chieng Liou: Professor at Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University
Yu-Heng Tseng: Professor at Institute of Oceanography and Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Yiing Jang Yang: Professor at Institute of Oceanography and Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Joe Wang: Professor at Ocean Center, National Taiwan University
Tai-Wen Hsu: Professor at Department of Harbor and River Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University
Project Manager :
I-Chang Liu: Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
Project Coordinator :
Wei-Ting Tien: Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University

Abstract

This integrated proposal aims to continue the first four-year establishment of Taiwan Operational Meteorology-Ocean Observing Network (TOPMOON) by advancing its corresponding accomplishment into Numerical Modeling- and Real-Time Ocean-Atmosphere Observation-Based AI-Driven Ocean Forecasting and Hazard Early Warning (TOPMOON-II). The overarching goal of TOPMOON-II is to deepen the understanding of dynamic processes underlying global change and their impacts on local environment, including ocean circulation, hydrography, lower atmospheric processes, soundscape characteristics, benthic ecosystems, and marine energy resources. These scientific issues are coherent with the upgraded observing network framework. TOPMOON-II will integrate an enhanced observing network, strengthen ocean–atmosphere collaborative observations, and implement AI forecasting and disaster risk reduction to achieve the objective of expanding an AI-based ocean forecasting and hazard early warning system. To achieve these goals, supports are requested to consolidate the key components 1) Real-time met-ocean observing network 2.0, 2) Integrated intelligent AUVs operation, 3) Ship-based AI-ready data, 4) Satellite-based AI-ready data, 5) Smart reef observatories: Transforming long-term monitoring into predictive ecosystem intelligence, 6) Advancing ocean–atmosphere observations and AI-based weather and typhoon forecasting, 7) Integrating AI-ready observational data with AI-driven smart ocean forecasting, 8) Enhancement and development of intelligent ocean observation technologies, 9) Development of a cloud-enabled platform for intelligent use of TOPMOON data, and 10) Review and reassessment of ocean energy potential and site selection to a single platform. Together, the international collaborations built upon TOPMOON will be tightly aligned with and supported by TOPMOON-II.

Keywords: Numerical modeling Meteorology and ocean observing network AI-driven ocean forecasting Hazard early warning AI-ready data

Background

To establish Taiwan meteorology and ocean observing network, the National Science and Technology Council has sponsored a four-year project, Taiwan Operational Meteorology-Ocean Observing Network (TOPMOON). Since its launch in May 2022, TOPMOON has successfully established a real-time operational meteorology–ocean observing framework that integrates buoys, autonomous platforms, research vessels, satellites, and data systems. The corresponding achievements are summarized as follows.

1. Real-time ocean–atmosphere observing network

Matsu Buoy (deployed April 2023) has operated continuously, providing real-time meteorological and oceanographic observations. It recorded extreme freshwater intrusion (salinity < 10) following Typhoons Doksuri and Haikui. The buoy deployed, e.g., off the NTOU coast (Fig. 1) has successfully transmitted near bottom CTD data since 28 November 2025 (Fig. 2) from a location near its seabed anchor to the buoy via underwater acoustic communications. Two western North Pacific typhoon observing buoys successfully captured data from Typhoons Doksuri, Saola, Haikui, Koinu, Gaemi, Krathon, and Kong-Rey. The NTOU buoy (NE Taiwan) was deployed, redesigned after anchor-chain failure during Typhoon Krathon, and successfully withstood Super Typhoon Kong-Rey (max wind 28 m/s; significant wave height ~4.5 m). The acquisition system of the second-generation meteorological–ocean buoy has received a Patent (No. M673986), with Utility Model Patent Title: Marine Meteorological Sensing Data Acquisition and Real-Time Transmission System (Fig. 3). In addition to these offshore data buoys, TOPMOON has also established and maintained three coastal monitoring stations at Pengjiayu Isle, Gongliao (New Taipei City), and Chenggong (Taidong). Pengjiayu station has successfully been operated for 18 years. Gongliao and Chenggong stations are real-time operational transmitting meteorological and CTD data through 4G communications.

Fig. 1 An operational, real-time meteorological–ocean buoy deployed off the NTOU coast, northern Taiwan.

Fig. 2 Near-bottom temperature, salinity, and pressure data are transmitted from the seabed to the buoy data acquisition system via underwater acoustic communication, and then integrated with sea surface oceanic and meteorological measurements and are transmitted to the ground station through 4G communication.

Fig. 3 Patented marine meteorological sensing data acquisition and real-time transmission system.

2. Autonomous and ship-based observations

Seaglider missions: 707 dives (May–Sept, anticyclonic eddy international campaign). 1,800 km survey with 309 dives (western North Pacific eddy study). Continuous participation in the international Boundary Ocean Observing Network (BOON).

Ship-based meteorological data from R/V NOR1 and NOR3 (over 300 cruises; 44+ days of processed data) were quality-controlled and integrated into the TOPMOON database. U.S.–Taiwan ARCTERX cruise (2,500 nautical miles) successfully conducted joint atmospheric–ocean observations between the first and second island chains (Jan et al., 2025). A portable ceilometer purchased by TOPMOON and additional atmospheric instruments (micro-rain radar, air-quality monitor) were integrated into ship-based observations. Fig. 4 demonstrates TOPMOON’s international collaborations with the U.S. and Palau using gliders and research vessels.

Fig. 4 Autonomous (glider) and ship-based observations conducted in the international collaborations over 2023‒2025.

3. Satellite data development

Spatial resolution of Himawari-8 chlorophyll-a was doubled using project-developed algorithms, with 24,853 datasets reprocessed. 160 in-situ chlorophyll profiles collected for validation. Cross-validation of satellite chlorophyll with CTD (20 stations), Seaglider (19 dives), and Wirewalker (22 dives). Value-added satellite datasets prepared for AI-ready applications.

4. Technology innovation

Prototype underwater real-time acoustic modem validated (100–200 m transmission). Fig. 5 shows an acoustic modem mounted on an instrument with a protective frame deployed on the seabed. Low-temperature lithium battery heating system developed to improve deep-sea energy performance. Intelligent buoy tether redesign completed after extreme-weather stress testing. Continued development of intelligent ocean observation technologies.

Fig. 5 Acoustic data transmission modem (as the red arrow pointed) in the water.

5. Data Infrastructure and Platform Integration

The TOPMOON website (Fig. 6) has been significantly upgraded (12 new modules), including real-time vessel tracking buoy data query and applications, satellite data dashboards (SSH, geostrophic currents, SST, chlorophyll), interfaces for piloting Seaglider and EM-APEX floats, a subproject results-sharing platform, and implementation of real-time quality control and cloud-based data integration.

Fig. 6 Integrated AUV pilot, observational status, and satellite observed sea state TOPMOON website.

6. Publications and technical reports yielded from TOPMOON

Hsu, J.-Y., Chang, M.-H., Yang, Y. J., & Jan, S. (2026) Near-surface temperature warming modulated by rain layers at the edge of a warm eddy. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 56, 2, 335-353 https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-25-0117.

Jan*, S., Yang, Y. J., Chang, M.-H., Hsu, J.-Y., Yang, K.-C., Chang, E. T., Wang, S.-H., Cheng, Y.-H., Chen, J.-L., Fang, Y.-C., Chang, W.-Y., Sui, C.-H., Yang, M.-J., Lin, P.-H., Tsai, A.-Y., & Chen, C.-C. (2025). Turbulence and Eddy Regional Exchange in the western North Pacific: Joint Oceanic and Atmospheric Experiment using R/V New Ocean Researcher 1. Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. 36, 29, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44195-025-00113-w

Yu, D.-J., Chang*, M.-H., Yang, K.-C., Jan*, S., and Malugao, M. E. D. (2025). Anomalous high salinity water mass in the western boundary of Northwest Pacific following the 2015 El Niño. Environmental Research Communications, https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ae15db.

Chiang, W.-C., Lin, S.-J., Yang, K.-C., Chang, C.-T., Boustany, A. M., Reimer, T. E. J., Jan, S., Ho, Y.-S., Musyl, M. K., and Block, B. A. (2025). Spawning migration and habitat use of adult Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. Animal Biotelemetry, 13, 31, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-025-00426-0.

Chang, F.-H., Liu, A. C.-H., Yang, J., Saito, H., Umezawa, Y., Chen, C.-C., Jan, S., and Hsieh, C.-h. (2025). Biotic and abiotic factors shaping the metacommunity structure of free-living bacterioplankton and nanoflagellates in the Kuroshio region. Molecular Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70150.

Chen, P. W. Y., Annabel, C. N., Olivia, M., Gong, G.-C., Jan, S., St. Laurent, L., Rainville, L., and Tsai*, A.-Y. (2025). Linking viral production to bacteria mortality and carbon cycling in the oligotrophic Pacific Ocean. Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 36, 30, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44195-025-00114-9.

Chen, P. W. Y., Olivia, M., Chang, C.-M., Gong, G.-C., Chen, C.-C., Jan, S., Annabel C. N., & Tsai*, A.-Y. (2025). Vertical distribution of picoplankton across a cold eddy in the West Pacific Ocean. Frontiers in Marine Sciences, 12, doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1637923

Vladoiu, A. Lien, R.-C., Kunze, E., Ma, B., Essink, S., Yang, Y. J., Chang, M.-H., Jan, S., Chen, J.-L., Yang, K.-C., & Yeh, Y.-Y. (2025). Finescale measurements of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities at a Kuroshio seamount. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 55, 11, 2097–2117, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-24-0235.1.

Liu, A. C.-H., Chang, F.-H., Yang, J. W., Saito, H., Umezawa, Y., Chen, C.-C., Jan, S., & Hsieh, C.-h. (2025). Small eukaryotic plankton community and alpha diversity variability in the Kuroshio region. Marine Environmental Research, 210, 107250, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107250.

Malugao, M. E. D., Jan*, S., Chang, M.-H., Ho, T.-Y., & Yang, Y. J. (2025). Connection of central South China Sea current variability with tropical Rossby waves in the western North Pacific. Progress in Oceanography, 235, 103481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2025.103481.

Chuang, T.-L., Chen*, J.-L., Chang, M.-H., Lien, R.-C., Cheng, Y.-H., Yang, Y. J., Jan, S., & Vladoiu, A. (2025). A divergence and vorticity view of nonlinear oceanic Lee wave obtained by a two-vessel survey. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 130, e2024JC021422. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC021422.

Trowbridge, J. H., Helfrich, K. R., Reeder, D. B., Medley, G. E., Chang, M.‐H., Jan, S., Ramp, S. R., and Yang, Y. J. (2025). Observations of the bottom boundary layer beneath the world's largest internal solitary waves. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 130, e2024JC022028. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC022028.

Hsu, J.‐Y., Chang, M.‐H., Jan, S., & Yang, Y. J. (2024). Synergistic impact of diurnal warm layers and inertial wave mixing on sea surface temperature warming and upper ocean stratification. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 129, e2023JC020623. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JC020623.

Patrichka Chen, W. Y., Olivia, M., Gong, G.-C., Jan, S., Ho, T.-Y., St Laurent, L., & Tsai, A.-Y. (2024). Distinct water mass between inside and outside eddy drive changes in prokaryotic growth and mortality in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1443533.

Cheng, Y.‐H., Chang, M.‐H., Yang, Y. J., Jan, S., Ramp, S. R., Davis, K. A., & Reeder, D. B. (2024). Insights into internal solitary waves east of Dongsha Atoll from integrating geostationary satellite and mooring observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 129, e2024JC021109. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC021109.

Yang*, Y. J., Yang, C.-Y., Jan, S., Chang, M.-H., Wei, C.-L., and Her, W.-H. (2024). Advanced moored data buoys for catching typhoons in the western North Pacific. Marine Technology Society Journal, 58, 1-2. 52–62. https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.58.1.1.

Hsu, J.-Y. (2024). A new rotating axes method for processing high-resolution horizontal velocity measurements on EM-APEX floats. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-23-0014.1.

Yang, C.-Y., Yang*, Y. J., Tseng, Y.-H., Jan, S., Chang, M.-H., Wei, C.-L., and Terng, C.-T. (2024). Observational evidence of overlooked downwelling induced by tropical cyclones in the open ocean. Scientific Reports, 14, 335. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-51016-0.

Chang, M.-H., Cheng, Y.-H., Yeh, Y.-Y., Hsu, J.-Y., Jan, S., Tseng, Y.-h., Sui, C.-H., Yang, Y J, and Lin, P.-H. (2023). Diurnal Sea Surface Temperature Warming along the Kuroshio off Taiwan under Easterly Wind Conditions. Geophysical Research Letters, 50, e2022GL101412. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101412.

Hsu, J.-Y. (2023). Effect of wave directions on orientation and magnitude of surface wind stress under Typhoon Megi (2010). Journal of Physical Oceanography, DOI: 10.1175/JPO-D-22-0193.1

Yang, K.-C., Jan, S., Yang, Y. J., Chang, M.-H., Wang, J., Wang, S.-H., Ramp, S., Reeder, D. B., and Ko, D.-S. (2023). Anatomy of mode-1 internal solitary waves derived from Seaglider observations in the northern South China Sea. Journal of Physical Oceanography, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-23-0039.1.

楊凱絜王釋虹謝祥志張明輝詹森 (2023) 以水下滑翔機觀測海洋紊流：系統整合與現場實驗。海洋及水下科技季刊，33:2，61-66

王釋虹楊凱絜葉祐瑜張明輝詹森 (2023) 以水下滑翔機觀測海洋紊流：基本原理。海洋及水下科技季刊，33:3，35-39

黃逢賢黃雅真王志仁王昱善洪婉竟王弼黃暐翔張明輝詹森 (2024) 高解析度海氣界面觀測漂流浮標：NTU-SeaDATA系統開發與現場實驗。海洋及水下科技季刊，34:2，35-42

The establishment of the operational four-dimensional meteorology-ocean observing network as an infrastructure of fundamental ocean and meteorological research is crucial to an outpost for disaster mitigation using real-time data transmission technology. To continue this effort and further extend TOPMOON, we integrate an enhanced ocean observing network (Observing Network 2.0), comprehensive marine atmospheric research and observation (Deepening Ocean–Atmosphere Observational Collaboration), and development of AI-driven ocean prediction and disaster early warning (Operationalizing AI-Based Forecasting and Disaster Prevention Applications) into a new four-year proposal ‒ TOPMOON-II. The ultimate goal of TOPMOON-II is to achieve the objective of expanding an AI-driven ocean forecasting and hazard early warning system built upon numerical modeling and real-time ocean–atmosphere observing networks. Under this goal, we also want to conduct long-term monitoring of coral and the overall benthic environment to monitor global change impacts, and to review and reassess the utilization of ocean current energy and site selection around Taiwan. The targeted research and observation areas are illustrated in Fig. 7

Fig. 7 Bathymetry in the western North Pacific and targeted study and observation area. The transparent shadows indicate intensive atmosphere-ocean observing areas. Blue acronyms and location names indicate observational TOPMOON stations already established. Red triangles represent stations that TOPMOON-II proposes to establish. Yellow lines indicate planned research vessel cruise tracks.

The primary purpose of this new project, TOPMOON-II, aims to respond to extreme hazards driven by climate change, such as marine heat waves, storm surges, rogue waves, and hazardous ocean currents. TOPMOON-II builds upon the established observational network, which includes four research vessels (R/V LGD, NOR1, NOR2, and NOR3), real-time data-transmitting buoys built by TOPMOON, and autonomous underwater gliders (Seagliders and EM-APEX floats). In TOPMOON-II, we will integrate expertise across physical oceanography, atmospheric science, coral reef biology, benthic ecology, and coastal engineering, in close collaboration with relevant ocean-related governmental agencies. By incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to fuse multi-platform ocean observations, we aim to enhance the accuracy of weather and typhoon forecasting. This project will strengthen real-time monitoring of rapidly changing marine environments. Through advancing coordinated atmosphere–ocean joint observations and analyzing air–sea interactions, we will develop physically consistent ocean–atmosphere forecasting models and establish a collaborative ocean–atmosphere research and operational platform for Taiwan.

With the background mentioned above, TOPMOON-II will aggregate the following ten mission-oriented tasks, which are:

Real-time met-ocean observing network 2.0

Integrated intelligent AUVs operation

Ship-based AI-ready data

Satellite-based AI-ready data

Smart reef observatories: Transforming long-term monitoring into predictive ecosystem intelligence

Advancing ocean–atmosphere observations and AI-based weather and typhoon forecasting

Integrating AI-ready observational data with AI-driven smart ocean forecasting

Enhancement and development of intelligent ocean observation technologies

Development of a cloud-enabled platform for intelligent use of TOPMOON data

10)

Review and reassessment of ocean energy potential and site selection

Particular efforts will be placed in promoting integrated ocean–atmosphere observations. We will conduct large-scale coordinated ocean–atmosphere observational campaigns around the Dongsha Atoll in the northern South China Sea and in the northern Taiwan Strait connecting the southern East China Sea (shadow areas in Fig. 7). We will strengthen monitoring of the atmospheric boundary layer and lower troposphere over the western North Pacific, with particular emphasis on low-level jets and wind field variability, in order to better understand air–sea interactions and their variability characteristics. The project will also focus on the ocean–atmosphere data analysis and AI-ready data development. Conduct in-depth investigations of air–sea interactions and perform simulation and validation of coupled ocean–atmosphere mathematical models. By integrating model outputs with observational data, establish AI-ready datasets to support advanced data-driven forecasting applications.

The data collected by TOPMOON-II provide fundamental basis of the ocean environment in the western North Pacific for the assessment of impact from the global change. In addition to the research topics embedded in each task, the value-added products will be provided to the associated government agencies such as the Central Weather Administration and National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction of Taiwan in a timely manner to establish a cross-agency, interdisciplinary data-sharing and decision-support platform to enhance the integration of disaster response and scientific research.

Annual goals

Year 1 :: Data Integration and analysis
1. Collect long-term current observations, including in-situ buoys, research vessel, and HF radar measurements.
2. Collect long-term and high-resolution model current products around Taiwan.
3. Collect high-resolution bathymetry with detailed seabed condition for site selection.
4. Review and reassess potential site for current energy potential.
5. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of deep-water mooring feasibility, including water depth constraints and seabed suitability for anchors.
Year 2 :: Enhanced Assessment and model development
1. Quantify and evaluate current products among observations and numerical models.
2. Estimate current energy potential around Taiwan from combined ocean current and tidal currents; assess potential sites according to the current energy potential.
3. Develop solutions for extracting current energy.
4. Evaluate candidate deep-sea mooring configurations.
Year 3 :: 1. Develop AI-based prediction for current velocity and direction over suitable sites.
2. Simulate interactions
3. Investigate array layout optimization.
Year 4 :: Prediction and sustainability
1. Continue evaluate realtime current energy potential.
2. Develop a comprehensive framework for hydrokinetic turbine deployment, integrating site selection, mooring design and array configuration.

Tasks expected to accomplish

The proposed milestones and end points for the tasks of each year from 2026 to 2026 are:

Year 1 :: Foundation & Integration
a). Upgrade met-ocean observing network 2.0
b). Deploy intelligent AUV and smart reef pilot systems
c). Establish cloud-based AI-ready data platform
d). Standardize QC and metadata protocols
e). Develop prototype coupled ocean–atmosphere AI framework
Milestone:: Operational AI-ready unified data infrastructure.
Year 2 :: AI Forecast Implementation
a). Launch hybrid physics–AI ocean forecasting system
b). Integrate ocean data into AI-based typhoon prediction
c). Enable short-term (0–7 day) ocean nowcasting
d). Develop reef stress and energy variability indices
e). Implement uncertainty quantification module
Milestone:: Validated AI-enhanced forecasting prototype.
Year 3 :: Operational Demonstration
a). Demonstrate improved forecast skill during extreme events
b). Deliver hazard early-warning products
c). Launch reef ecosystem predictive dashboard
d). Generate preliminary ocean energy site assessments
e). Deploy cross-agency visualization interface
Milestone:: Fully integrated AI-driven early-warning demonstration.
Year 4 :: National Operationalization
a). Achieve stable real-time AI ocean–atmosphere forecasting
b). Deliver seasonal outlook and risk assessment products
c). Publish national ocean energy technical report
d). Formalize cross-agency decision-support platform
e). Produce 4-year synthesis and international outputs
Milestone:: TOPMOON-II operational as a national AI-driven ocean forecasting and hazard early-warning system.

Connection between sub-projects

Fig. 8 illustrates the connection between each component of TOPMOON-II. TOPMOON-II adopts a fully integrated architecture that connects multi-platform observations, intelligent sensing technologies, AI-ready data infrastructure, predictive modeling, and application services within a unified operational framework. Real-time met-ocean observations, intelligent AUV operations, ship-based and satellite datasets, and smart reef observatories collectively establish a multi-scale observing backbone. These data streams are standardized and processed through enhanced intelligent observation technologies and a cloud-enabled platform to generate AI-ready datasets. The integrated database supports AI-driven ocean–atmosphere forecasting, typhoon prediction, and smart ocean modeling. The resulting predictive products directly enable ecosystem intelligence, hazard early warning, and marine renewable energy site assessment. This end-to-end framework ensures that observations are transformed into actionable intelligence to advance scientific research, enhance disaster resilience, and support sustainable ocean development.

Fig. 8 30 Schematic diagram illustrating the interconnections among the primary tasks of TOPMOON-II.

The lead Principal Investigator (PI) of TOPMOON-II, Dr. Sen Jan, has served as the integrated project leader for physical oceanography–related research programs funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology (now National Science and Technology Council) and the U.S. Office of Naval Research since 2008. The most recent Taiwan–U.S. collaborative program, ARCTERX (2020–2025), jointly sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research and Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, successfully conducted five joint field campaign cruises using R/V Thomas G. Thompson, R/V New Ocean Researcher 1 (NOR1), and R/V Legend. The collected datasets are currently being analyzed to fully achieve the program’s scientific objectives. The lead PI has maintained long-term collaborations with co-principal investigators across multiple disciplines:

Drs. Yiing Jang Yang, Ming-Huei Chang, Je-Yuan Hsu, and Yu-Hsin Cheng in physical oceanography research and extensive field observations for more than a decade;

Dr. Yu-Heng Tseng in numerical modeling of circulation in the western North Pacific and Asian marginal seas, and Dr. Yu-Chieng Liao in ship-based marine atmospheric observations;

facilitated research support for Drs. Vianney Denis and Chih-Lin Wei in marine ecosystem and biogeochemical studies;

collaborated with Dr. Joe Wang and Mr. Yi-Chang Liu to establish and continuously enhance the TOPMOON operational website and data platform.

This integrated project offers an exceptional opportunity to consolidate expertise across junior, mid-career, and senior scientists, combining field observations, modeling, technology development, and international collaboration. The synergy among the experienced PIs in TOPMOON-II significantly strengthens long-term moored buoy and fixed coastal station observations, autonomous vehicle operations, international joint programs, and satellite remote sensing interpretation. Such integration is essential for advancing AI-based ocean–atmosphere forecasting systems and their applications in disaster early warning and mitigation.

Furthermore, sustained ship-based surveys along the fixed Taiwan–Guam–Palau transect that long envisioned by the oceanographic community will provide critical spatiotemporal observations of the Kuroshio, North Equatorial Current, mesoscale eddies, and associated submesoscale processes. These observations are expected to substantially reduce uncertainties in numerical models and improve the skill of regional ocean forecasts.

International collaborations

Based on the accomplishment of the first phase of TOPMOON, we have established solid links of international collaboration. The primary collaborators/affiliations are listed as follows.

Nation	Primary collaborator/Affiliation	Topic	Task
U.S.	Prof. Harindra Joseph Fernando Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA	Marine Atmospheric Research on Boundary Layers over East China/Yellow Seas (MARBLES)	Field experiment in the Yellow and East China Seas, 2026‒2027
U.S.	Dr. Chidong Zhang NOAA Dr. Elizabeth Thompson NOAA Dr. Shuyi Chen University of Washington	Tropical Pacific Observing System (TPOS) Equatorial Pacific Experiment (TEPEX)	Improving understanding of the coupled atmosphere–ocean processes in the central equatorial Pacific. Field campaign has been scheduled in 2028
France	Dr. Jean-François Filipot France Energies Marines (FEM)	OROWSHI2: Offshore wind turbine design including joint wind wave information in standard for hurricane-exposed sites. The objective is to improve the extreme wind and waves conditions and statistics under tropical cyclones conditions for the design of wind turbines.	Wave model validation using data collected by TOPMOON buoys.
France	Dr. Paola Calanca École française d’Extrême-Orient, Paris, France	Navigation practices in Asian Seas (16th-19th centuries)	Ship (called Junk) route tracking using numerical model
Australia	Dr. Joey Voermans Department of Infrastructure Engineering \| Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia	Measuring sea spray spume droplets in-situ. Sea spray droplets are small droplets generated at the ocean surface and are thought to contribute significantly to the exchanges of heat and momentum between the ocean and atmosphere during extreme marine weather events, but very little is known about the amount of sea spray droplets generated due to an absence of in-situ observations.	Mounting a hydrophone on a typhoon buoy in June 2026.
Philippines	Dr. Cristy Acabado Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo 5023 Philippines	West Panay Island, Antique (i.e., near the Panay Eddy) Projects: (1) Batbatan Project (2) Sibuyan Sea Project	Participate scheduled field campaigns in the northern Sulu Sea (1) Batbatan Island in May 2026: (2) Sibuyan Sea in July 2026:

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