Evaluation of the Argo network using statistical space‐time scales derived from satellite altimetry data

Abstract

AbstractThis study evaluates capability of the Argo observation network for monitoring ocean variation, especially for eddy‐scale variation, by using an optimum interpolation (OI) procedure. Sea surface dynamic height anomalies (DHAs) are derived from Argo temperature and salinity profile data, and DHA fields are obtained by the OI based on the space‐time correlation scales estimated from along‐track sea level anomaly (SLA) data by satellite altimetry. The DHA fields are compared with the SLA fields derived from the same OI applied to the along‐track SLA data. The results show that the equatorial Kelvin waves and tropical instability waves are well captured by Argo floats. Eddies are also monitored effectively in the subtropical western North Pacific. The OI results of DHA do not agree well with those of SLA in the high latitudes. A simple test of the space‐time OI analysis shows that more than six data in the e‐folding domain, where the correlation coefficient of ocean variation is above e−1, are required for the reliable analysis with 99% confidence level. Argo floats provide sufficient number of observations for the reliable analysis in the low latitudes and some areas in the North Pacific. Two to three times more Argo data would be required in most of midlatitudes and much more in high latitudes for capturing eddy‐scale variation.