Join UK Argo

Joining the Argo programme offers several strategic, scientific, and operational benefits for countries, institutions, and research organizations. Here are the key reasons to get involved:

• Be Part of a Global Scientific Mission

  Argo is a world-leading ocean observation network, providing critical data on temperature, salinity, ocean currents and biogeochemical parameters. Participation supports global climate monitoring, ocean forecasting, and environmental stewardship.

• Shape the Future of Ocean Observing

  Members help guide the development of the Argo array, including advanced missions like Deep Argo and Biogeochemical Argo (BGC Argo), influencing the direction of global ocean observing systems

• Join a Community That Drives Innovation

  Argo fosters a collaborative environment that supports innovation. Members have access to procedures and support for testing and deploying experimental sensors, new float prototypes, and emerging technologies—within a trusted, expert-led global network.

• Support a Trusted and FAIR Global Data System

  Argo operates under strict open data and FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Its success is backed by internationally agreed procedures, shared tools, and expert support. Members help define data standards, deployment priorities, and network design, gaining valuable insights into system operations and contributing to continuous improvements.

• Conduct Research in Your EEZ with Clear Licensing and International Support

  Established international agreements—such as IOC-UNESCO Resolution XX-6—ensure coastal states are informed of deployments in or near their waters. This facilitates transparent, authorised float deployments within your Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enabling sovereign research and ocean monitoring.

• Collaborate with World Experts

  Join a strong international community of oceanographers, engineers, and data scientists. Members benefit from shared expertise, training, capacity-building workshops, and best practices in deployment, data management, and operations.

• Support Climate and Marine Policy

  Argo data is vital for climate change assessment, marine resource management, and disaster risk reduction. It directly supports national and international policy goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

• Maximise Return on Investment

  Argo offers a cost-effective, shared global infrastructure. Members avoid duplication, leverage collective resources, and contribute to a programme with high scientific and societal impact.

1. Define Scientific and Operational Objectives: climate monitoring, ocean circulation, biogeochemistry, etc. to consider deployment locations

2. Engage with the Argo Community: Contact your national Argo coordinator (for the UK - Met Office) who will help you to align with the International Argo Programme framework.

3. Project and Funding Plans for Argo Floats: Identify the funding source for: float purchase, data transmission, data management and software development

4. Float Procurement, shipping and storing: Choose appropriate float platforms (e.g., Apex, NKE manufacturers), select sensors based on mission goals and presently accepted parameters

5. Plan Deployment Logistics: Coordinate ship time or use support from National Coordinator or Regional Coordinator of opportunistic deployment (e.g., research cruises, commercial ships, sailing boats). Obtain permission to deploy floats in EEZ if applicable (DipClear/MSR). Obtain WMO ID via UK Argo coordinator. Notify OceanOPS in advance of planned deployments. Prepare floats (programming, testing, shipping).

6. Deploy Floats:Follow Argo’s deployment best practices. Record and submit to DAC accurate deployment data (location, time, float ID) and float calibration sheets.

7. Monitor Float Status and Data Flow: Use float monitoring and data visualisation tools to track float health and location /

8. Use and share data: Access data in real-time or delayed mode through GDACs. Use data for research, forecasting, and reporting. Argo data products including gridded fields, velocity products and other profile collections

9. Participate in Argo Governance and Innovation: Contribute to working groups and strategy.

1. Float Type & Mission Profile

   • Must be an autonomous profiling float capable of repeated vertical profiles (typically surface → 2000 m → surface).

   • Standard Argo floats are “Core Argo” (temperature and salinity). Extensions include DeepArgo (down to 6000 m) and BGC Argo (with sensors for oxygen, nitrate, chlorophyll, pH,backscatter (BBP), Irradiance).

   • Mission configuration must include agreed Argo sampling standards (e.g., ~10-day cycle, vertical resolution)

2. Open Data Policy

   • All floats in Argo must transmit their data openly and in real time, distributed via the ArgoGlobal Data Assembly Centres (GDACs) with no restrictions.

3. Data Flow Through the Argo System

   Float data must be sent via a recognised telemetry system and routed to a Data Assembly Centre (DAC), where:

   • Real-time QC is performed (automated checks, data goes to the GTS for operational forecasting) and archived in the GDACs (Coriolis, France; US GODAE) so becoming accessible to all users

   • Trained scientists later apply delayed-mode QC.

4. Metadata & Identification

   • Each float must have a WMO number and be registered in the Argo global metadata system. Met Office (UK) can arrange this. Metadata must include float type, sensor types,calibration info, deployment details, and mission settings.

   • Without proper metadata, the float cannot be integrated into the global Argo array.

5. Endorsement & Coordination

   • Floats must be part of a national or regional Argo programme.

   • Deployment plans should be coordinated with the Argo Steering Team (AST) to maintain global coverage and balance

   • National programmes are responsible for funding, deployment logistics, data management and software development.

6. 6. Compliance With Argo Standards

   • Must comply with Argo technical protocols (profiling accuracy, QC methods, NetCDF file format).

   • Must follow Argo’s environmental and operational guidelines, including safe deployment and end-of-life considerations.