Argo

An Argo float transmitting data ©

The international Argo project to establish a global network of profiling floats was initiated in 2000. In October 2007 it achieved its goal of 3000 operating floats. These are providing around 100,000 observations each year, throughout all the ice-free deep-ocean areas of the world. Around 800 floats will need to be deployed each year to maintain the 3000 float array.

This global array of profiling floats will result in the systematic measurement of the physical state of the upper ocean as well as enabling assimilation of data in near real-time. To find out more, follow the links below or on the side menu bar.

• Introduction — A non-technical insight into the Argo programme.
• Project overview — A brief description of the main aims of Argo.
• BODC's role — Our duties as the UK Argo Data Centre and the Southern Ocean Argo Regional Centre.
• Official web site — View the International Argo Home page.
• UK floats — Details of the UK Argo programme including float deployment, status and access to data.
• Southern Ocean — Details of the Southern Ocean Argo Regional Centre including links to Southern Ocean float data.
• Meetings — Argo Data Management meetings.
• Other links — Links to Argo sites and other relevant initiatives.