TOPIC 3A: The ARGO Project: Global Ocean Observations for Understanding and Prediction of Climate Variability

Modernize ocean infrastructure and enhance technology development

TOPIC 3A. The ARGO Project: Global Ocean Observations for Understanding and Prediction of Climate Variability

Lead PI: Dr. Dean Roemmich, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The U.S. Argo Float Consortium will continue its integrated implementation of the U.S. Argo program for a broad range of operational and research applications. The Argo array is now global, with more than 2200 active floats providing 6000 profiles and reference velocities per month, and it will approach completion in 2006-2007. Activities of the Consortium begin with float technology development and with the production, assembly, or purchase of about 410 profiling floats per year. Deployment of floats, using a combination of opportunistic and dedicated platforms, follows priorities for global distribution set by the U.S. Argo Science and Implementation Panel, and is done in collaboration with international partners. Communications use ARGOS and Iridium systems, with all Argo data made publicly available via the GTS and Internet, subject to automated quality control checks and usually delivered within 24 hours of collection. Expert examination of profiles, plus detection and adjustment of slow drift in salinity sensors adds to the quality of data in delayed-mode. All activities are coordinated not only within the U.S. Float Consortium and U.S. Argo, but also internationally using the mechanisms of the Argo Science/Steering Team, Argo Data Management Team, and Argo’s series of scientific and technical workshops. The U.S. Float Consortium increases Argo’s value through its implementation of the U.S. Argo program, through its international leadership, and through its broad participation in Argo applications including research and education.

Number of Years: 5

Funding Requested: $53,003,970

Partners: