National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
United States Department of Commerce


 

FY 2000

The role of XBT sampling in the ocean thermal network

Smith, N.R., D.E. Harrison, R. Bailey, O. Alves, T. Delcroix, K. Hanawa, B. Keeley, G. Meyers, B. Molinari, and D. Roemmich

In Proceedings of the International Conference on the Ocean Observing System for Climate, Session 2E, Saint-Raphael, France, 18–22 October 1999, 26 pp (2000)


This paper evaluates the present role of the XBT program and proposes a strategy for the future under the assumption that there are other direct and indirect contributions to sampling the temperature and salinity of the ocean. Since the focus is on XBT sampling the paper restricts its scope to the upper ocean, mostly above 1000 m. The conclusions of the paper are based on a study and workshop that were convened specifically to look at the design of the ship-of-opportunity network and to look at options for its implementation in the future under the assumption that Argo happens. The paper also addresses issues related to data distribution and management. The primary conclusion is that the network of the future should place greatest emphasis on line sampling, at intermediate to high densities, and assume that a proposed profiling float array, Argo will largely take over the role formerly occupied by area (broadcast) sampling. It is argued that line sampling exclusively addresses several needs of the ocean observing system that cannot easily be addressed by other forms of sampling. Further it is argued that such a mode complements other in situ components such as moorings and floats as well as remotely sensed surface topography. A new network is outlined with a strategy for implementation that ensures continuity between existing and planned networks. We conclude the data management system that was established around the SOOP program requires substantial renovation if it is to adequately address the needs of the data gatherers and suppliers, and the data users (modellers, scientists, operational applications).




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