11 meeting of the International Argo Steering Team Scripps ...

suggests that the best model for a glider program would be a federation of regionally based
efforts that are coordinated through an international working group. It is proposed that the Argo
Steering Team encourage a small number of scientists involved with gliders to set up a working
group to formulate a program to support glider deployments in boundary currents and choke
points in support of climate change research.
4.5 Commitments table
AST members updated the commitments table and the expected number of float deployments
for 2010 is large (~1100) given the small number of deployments last year. While float
deployerers have many floats in inventory, it will likely take a couple of years to catch up and
find deployment opportunities for all the backlogged floats. It was also noted that for the most
part countries do a good job of estimating the number of floats to be deployed in that year based
on new statistics compiled by M. Scanderbeg. See Appendix for more details.
4.6 Sustained funding for Argo
A discussion was held on whether Argo should produce and subsequently maintain a brief
document that outlines the case for sustaining Argo for a decade and longer. Several AST
members noted that such a document would be helpful for seeking long-term funding from their
national sources. A draft of the document, prepared in response to a request from GEO, was
offered by J. Willis. A small group was formed to review and improve the document.
Action item 6: Howard Freeland, Silvia Garzoli, Steve Riser, Dean Roemmich, Susan
Wijffels, Josh Willis will volunteer to read, review and edit a 1-page document that
outlines the case for sustaining the Argo Program on a long-term basis.
5 Data Management Issues
5.1 Feedback from ADMT-10
The data system is operating stably. The real-time data continues to provide 90% of the data
on GTS within 24 hours with no major distribution issues at this time. Coriolis is providing two
additional QC checks on the real-time data to improve detection:
1) A daily objective analysis is performed to detect anomalies and
2) A quarterly comparison of the Argo data with satellite altimetry data
These allow the detection and correction of major problems much earlier than waiting for
delayed-mode.
The ADMT is currently focusing on improving data consistency, detecting and correcting
systematic errors, delayed-mode QC, Argo Regional Centers, and improving the interoperability
of the Argo data set. Activities related to correction of the pressure drift problem, delayed-mode
QC, ARCs, and trajectory data are covered by separate presentations.
It was noted that the Argo Reference Database was updated by Coriolis in February 2010 and
that the Argo Profile Reference Dataset was updated by John Gilson.
Developments at the GDAC were briefed including detailed index files, MD5 signatures,
automated DAC file removal, and the new layout of the latest_data files. It was also noted that
the enhanced format checker has missed its deadlines but that it has been operating internally
at the US GDAC for almost a month. The US GDAC (Mark Ignaszewski) will be contacting the
DACs regarding their results immediately after this meeting.
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