Abstract
The necessity of wide, global-scale observing systems for marine biogeochemistry emerged dramatically in the last decade. A global network based on Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo floats is considered as one of the most promising approaches for reaching this goal. As a first step, pilot studies were encouraged to test the feasibility of a global BGC-Argo array, to consolidate the methods and practices under development, and to set up the array’s characteristics. A pilot study in the Mediterranean Sea—deemed a suitable candidate for a test case because it combines a relatively large diversity of oceanic biogeochemical conditions in a reduced open-ocean basin—was consequently approved as a part of the NAOS (“Novel Argo ocean Observing System”) project, a French national initiative to promote, consolidate and develop the Argo network. We present here a first assessment of the NAOS Mediterranean array, in view of scientific choices on observing-system strategy, on implementation and statistics on network performances, and on data-quality control.
Highlights
The global Argo network is undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories in modern oceanography (Gould et al, 2004; Riser et al, 2016)
Following the OceanObs’09 conference (Claustre et al, 2010a,b), one major extension planned for the Argo program was the addition of new sensors to provide observations for biogeochemical (BGC) studies—a development motivated by the readily available miniaturized sensors for BGC parameters, and the fact that profiling floats equipped with fluorescence, nitrate, irradiance, or oxygen sensors were already collecting records (Körtzinger et al, 2005; Xing et al, 2011; Johnson et al, 2013)
Bioregions are determined by only surface CHL phenological dynamics, our results indicate that the Novel Argo ocean Observing System” (NAOS) array could be very informative about other parameters
Summary
The global Argo network is undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories in modern oceanography (Gould et al, 2004; Riser et al, 2016). Thanks to a well-balanced mix of international coordination, single-country involvement, free data access, and technological innovation, Argo provides an in situ complement to ocean-observing systems from space, which has enhanced decadal reanalyses and predictions on the ocean’s state (Le Traon, 2013). Following the OceanObs’ conference (Claustre et al, 2010a,b), one major extension planned for the Argo program was the addition of new sensors to provide observations for biogeochemical (BGC) studies—a development motivated by the readily available miniaturized sensors for BGC parameters, and the fact that profiling floats equipped with fluorescence, nitrate, irradiance, or oxygen sensors were already collecting records (Körtzinger et al, 2005; Xing et al, 2011; Johnson et al, 2013). The array offers to provide a crucial upgrade from previous monitoring capacities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
