ARGO 2002 PROGRESS TOWARDS A GLOBAL ARRAY OF PROFILING FLOATS

Argo will be a global array of 3,000 free-drifting profiling floats that will measure the temperature and salinity of the upper 2,000 metres of the ocean. Global observations from Argo will provide significant benefits for operational oceanography (predictions of ocean conditions for use by the oceanographic and marine research and industry communities); seasonal forecasting (improved longterm forecasts of wet or dry seasons and better warning of the likelihood of floods and drought) and climate studies (detecting changes in the temperature and salinity of the oceans that are related to climate change). Since its inception about 3 years ago, Argo has gained momentum with 13 nations, plus the European Commission, providing (or planning to provide) funding for floats. Global coverage with around 3,000 floats is anticipated by 2006. This paper outlines the international Argo project and progress made to date.