ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System

The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is an organization made up of many different universities and oceanographic research laboratories around the United States. Imagine that these universities and labs are like big playgrounds where scientists play and explore all sorts of things that are related to the ocean.

But instead of just playing, they also do important work to learn more about the ocean and all the creatures living in it. They go on special boats called research vessels to collect samples of water, rocks, and living things to bring back to their playgrounds to study.

UNOLS helps to make sure that all of these research playgrounds have the tools and equipment they need to do their work. Think of it like a big store that sells special toys that only scientists can use to learn more about the ocean.

UNOLS also helps these different universities and labs work together by organizing meetings where they can share what they have learned and collaborate on new projects to help us better understand our oceans. So, in a way, UNOLS is like the grown-up who makes sure all the kids at the playground have the tools and support they need to explore as much as they can.