Ocean Observing Systems—Profiling Floats

The Argo float program has ushered in a new sampling paradigm for ocean observations. New sensors are becoming available for incorporation on the floats, dramatically increasing their potential scope and breadth in providing measurements over broad synoptic time and space scales. WET Labs now provides commercially available sensors built for integration into a variety of float platforms.

WET Labs teamed with University of Washington researchers Paul Riser, Dana Swift, and Emmanuel Boss of the the University of Maine to integrate an optical fluorescence and scattering meter with an APEX float off the Labrador Coast.

Click on the graph at right to view real-time data from Argo float 005.

Teaming with Satantic Ltd., WET Labs developed its newest addition for deployments on floats—the Rover. This meter combines spectral downwelling irradiance and attenuation measurements. Currently in its first deployment, the meter offers unprecedented bio-optical capability for float-based operations.