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International Programs

The key international oceanography programs use Argos to transmit data via satellite from ocean buoys to information networks shared by professionals around the word. Some of the major programs include:

Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP)

Many major Argos programs are implemented through DBCP action groups.

GDP (drifters) GDP (drifters) GDP (drifters) GDP (drifters) IABP (Arctic) IPAB (Antarctic) E-SURFMAR (North Atlantic) ISABP (South Atlantic) ISABP (South Atlantic) PIRATA TRITON IBPIO (Indian) TAO Array TAO Array

Global Drifter Program

The goal of the Global Drifter Program is to produce new charts of seasonal surface circulation of the world ocean. The data collected via Argos, provides key information for scientists to study:

  • SST, Sea level pressure, and surface velocity of the ocean;
  • Verify global climate models
  • Eddy statistics and variables throughout the year
  • Construct models of wind driven currents;

The specific areas of study for this program inclue: the Califoria current, Kuroshio, the Brazil Current and the North Atlantic subduction zone. For more information: www.aoml.noaa.gov/phod/dac/gdp.html

Triton: Moored Buoy Network

The Triton array of buoys or the Triangle Trans-Ocean buoy network, is a series of buoys for measuring surface meteorology and upper ocean. The buoys are deployed by JAMSTEC in collaboration with many countries in and around the Pacific Ocean as part of international climate research programs. The purpose of the program is for scientific research on warm water in the equatorial ocean affecting world climate change. For more information: www.jamstec.go.jp/jamstec/OCEAN/TRITON/

TAO (Tropical Atmospheric Ocean project): 70 buoys moored moorings in the Tropical Pacific Ocean

This long-term oceanography projects measures telemetering oceanographic and meteorological data in the Tropical Pacific Ocean region and sends them to shore in real-time via Argos.

The "array" of buoys is a major component of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Observing System, the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Support is provided primarily by the United States (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and Japan (Japan Agency for Marine-earth Science and TEChnology) with additional contributions from France (Institut de recherche pour le developpement). For more information: www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/

Argo: Global ocean observing program

The Argo program comprises a network of oceanography floats belonging to 25 countries. The program's ultimate objective is to release 3000 floats covering ice-free areas to study long-term ocean variability. Data collected from these floats, including temperature and salinity profiles, are relayed by Argos. They are then distributed worldwide and posted on websites as well as specialized information networks. These data are giving scientists valuable information about the oceans and their role in shaping climate - a key element of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) seeking to ensure sustainable development of our planet.

   
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