About GSO What is GSO? Narragansett Bay Campus Rhode Island Weather Points of Interest What is GSO? Interest in the marine sciences and oceanography at the University of Rhode Island dates back to the mid-1930s when the Narragansett Marine Laboratory was established. With significant reorganization and considerable expansion, the initial marine program became the University's Graduate School of Oceanography in 1961. In 1971, the University was designated one of the original group of national Sea Grant Colleges. The Sea Grant College Program, which emphasizes applied marine studies and public service, involves departments and faculty members throughout the University and is under the supervision of the Vice Provost for Marine Programs, who is also Dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography. In 1989, the Graduate School of Oceanography was named a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Center of Excellence in coastal marine studies. Recently, the National Research Council ranked the Graduate School of Oceanography's Ph.D. program one of the best in the country and fifth among oceanographic institutions. For additional information about GSO, you are directed to the GSO homepage. Narragansett Bay Campus The Graduate School of Oceanography is located on the Narragansett Bay Campus, six miles east of the University's main campus in Kingston. As a center for marine studies, the Bay Campus is ideally situated on the shore of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. The R/V Endeavor uses the Bay Campus as its home port and base of operations. In addition to the Graduate School of Oceanography, the Narragansett Bay Campus is also home to: Coastal Institute Coastal Resources Center EPAs Atlantic Ecology Division NOAAs Northeast Fisheries Science Center URI's Ocean Engineering Department Rhode Island Weather Rhode Island's proximity to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean plays an important part in determining the climate. In the winter, the temperatures are modified considerably and many major snowfalls change to rain before reaching the area. Late summer and early fall occasionally bring hurricane watches to the area. During the period from early June to late August, when the SURFO program occurs, the weather is very pleasant and comfortable. Temperature - range: 50 - 100 F during the SURFO Program; average ~70 F. Rainfall - ~3" of rain each month throughout the year. Winds - less than 10 kts, but often have stronger, cooler Sea Breezes in the afternoon. Water Temperatures - range from ~65 F in June to ~80 F in mid-August. Local Points of Interest Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay are very popular destinations for summer tourists. Numerous beaches, Newport, Providence, and Block Island are just a few of the things that draw people to the region. Other information about points of interest can be found at: South County, RI home page RI/CT Coastal Communities home page GSO is also conveniently located to many other points of interest (est. travel time by car): Newport, RI (15 minutes) Providence, RI (30 minutes) Cape Cod (1.5 hours) Boston (1.5 hours) New York City (3-4 hours) Transportation Centers Amtrak Train Station (10 minutes) Providence, T.F. Green Airport (20 minutes) Providence Bus Station (30 minutes)
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