Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS)
Taking the Pulse of the Great Lakes

GLOS, the Great Lakes node of the Integrated Ocean Observing System, is dedicated to providing public access to critical real-time and historical information about the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and interconnecting waterways for use in managing, safeguarding and understanding these immensely valuable binational resources.

Observing systems - including sensors, buoys, stations, networks and field data collection - are the primary means for gathering information on the chemical, biological and physical characteristics of the Great Lakes ecosystem. These observations are used in a variety of monitoring programs to take the pulse of the Great Lakes. GLOS is one of 11 regional associations that form the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

Resource managers, researchers, educators, commercial shippers, recreational boaters, beach users and homeland security interests all use GLOS data and information. Minnesota Sea Grant is working with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network to facilitate greater understanding about and use of observing systems data in Minnesota. Thus, Sea Grant outreach and education specialists are working to increase overall awareness of GLOS, what it is, and how users may benefit from it through workshops, printed materials, the Internet and other outreach and education efforts.

GLOS Brochure [PDF]
Download the GLOS Brochure for more information.