The NCOF Partners are:
The Argo Programme
The Argo array
A global array of 3,000 profiling floats (Argo) has been proposed as a major contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Argo is an important international programme, endorsed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), as it will provide significant benefits for seasonal forecasting, climate prediction and operational oceanography.
Since its inception in 1999 over 20 nations have committed support towards building the Argo array, and a number of other countries have assisted in deploying floats. Deployment of Argo floats started in 2000 and the target array of 3,000 active floats was achieved in October 2007. Approximately 800 new float deployments will be needed each year to maintain this array.
Argo floats
Argo floats drift at a parking depth of typically 1,000 m, descending to 2,000 m and then rising to the surface every 10 days to record a temperature and salinity profile and transmit these data back via satellite (currently using System ARGOS) before returning to their parking depth and continuing another cycle.
For more information, visit the Argo page at the Met Office. A figure showing the current status of the Argo array is available from the JCOMMOPS Argo Information Centre.
(Last Updated: 15-04-2010)