Abstract
This chapter focuses on recent progress and emerging directions in ocean observations. The importance of sustained observations and status of the global ocean observing network are covered. Emerging trends include many exciting developments, such as Bio-ARGO floats, autonomous or remotely-operated instruments and platforms, and new measurement capabilities focused on fundamental ocean processes. Numerical models that integrate and assimilate multi-scale observations of the atmosphere, land, ice and ocean will lead to new science as well as improved forecasts of great societal value.