What is SATS and what do we do?
Mission
The Santander Atlantic Time Series (SATS) ocean observatory aims to deliver a comprehensive understanding of how the ocean system behaves and interacts with the atmosphere and climate in a representative mid-latitude region of the Northeast Atlantic.
To provide high-quality, long-term reference data that capture trends and baselines in regional climate and oceanography. To serve as a proof-of-concept platform demonstrating how sustained ocean observations can yield deeper insights into key processes on a global scale.
At SATS, we believe in open science. All our long-term reference datasets are freely accessible to anyone with an internet connection. We actively encourage the use of our data, code, products, and resources, and we welcome collaboration from the global research community.
Explore our site to learn more about our work, data, and ongoing research — and feel free to contact us for more information or partnership opportunities.
Milestones
1990
First sampling of the Santander standard section stations, using oceanographic bottles and thermometers
Marking the beginning of systematic ocean observations in the region.
1991
Launch of the Radiales del Cantabrian oceanographic cruises (RADCAN)
Expanding ocean monitoring efforts along the northern coast of Spain.
1994
Start of regular sampling at the Santander standard section Deep Station (SATS)
Establishing the foundation for what would become the SATS oceanographic observatory.
2007
Deployment of the Augusto González de Linares (AGL) buoy
Enhancing continuous ocean-atmosphere monitoring capabilities.
2024
Incorporation of SeaExplorer Gliders into the SATS instrument network
A new era of autonomous, high-resolution ocean observation.
Team
At SATS, we are a multidisciplinary team of nine people united by our passion for the ocean. We operate an ocean observing system in the Bay of Biscay, providing open and unrestricted access to metocean data and products for the scientific, educational, and public administration communities. We also contribute internationally to the design of a more efficient and sustainable ocean observing system, delivering more and higher-quality data on the marine environment.
Raquel Somavilla Cabrillo
Elena Marcos Alonso
Determinaciones analíticas / Logística
Amaia Viloria Reparaz
Oceanografía / Procesado / Determinaciones analíticas
Pablo Aguirre Ayerbe
Oceanografía / Instrumentación / Electrónica
Elisabet Frande Cabanes
Oceanografía / Ayuda coordinación
Andrea García Regalado
Oceanografía / Desarrollo de productos
Laura Ibáñez Tejero
Oceanografía / Data Management
Izaskun Merino Sainz
Oceanografía / Procesos biogeoquímicos
Ignasi Vallés Casanova
Oceanografía / Evaluación modelos climáticos
Contact
For general inquiries, data access requests, or collaboration opportunities, please get in touch with the SATS team. We welcome collaboration with researchers, institutions, and stakeholders interested in ocean observation and climate studies.
Centro Oceanográfico de Santander (COST-IEO), CSIC
Avda. Severiano Ballesteros 16
39004 Santander, Cantabria
España
Planta de Cultivos Marinos El Bocal (COST-IEO), CSIC
Barrio Corbanera s/n
39012 Monte, Cantabria
España