Bio-Optical Sensors on Argo Floats

The general objective of the IOCCG BIO-Argo working group is to elaborate recommendations for establishing a framework for the future development of a cost-effective, bio-optical float network corresponding to the needs and expectations of the scientific community. In this context, our recommendations will necessarily be broad; they range from the identification of key bio-optical measurements to be implemented on floats, to the real-time management of the data flux resulting from the deployment of a "fleet of floats". Each chapter of this report is dedicated to an essential brick leading towards the goal of implementing a bio-optical profiling float network. The following topics are discussed in the Chapters listed below: - Chapter 2 reviews the scientific objectives that could be tackled through the development of such networks, by allowing some of the gaps in the present spatio-temporal resolution of bio-optical variables to be progressively filled. - Chapter 3 identifies the optical and bio-optical properties that are now amenable to remote and autonomous measurement through the use of optical sensors mounted on floats. - Chapter 4 addresses the question of sensor requirements, in particular with respect to measurements performed from floats. - Chapter 5 proposes and argues for the development of dedicated float missions corresponding to specific scientific objectives and relying on specific optical sensor suites, as well as on specific modes of float operation. - Chapter 6 identifies technological issues that need to be addressed for the various bio-optical float missions to become even more cost-effective. - Chapter 7 covers all aspects of data treatment ranging from the development of various quality control procedures (from real-time to delayed mode) to the architecture required for favoring easy access to data. - Chapter 8 reviews the necessary steps and experience required before the operational implementation of different types of float networks can become a reality.

CLAUSTRE Hervé;  BERNARD Stewart;  BERTHON Jean-Francois;  BISHOP Jim;  BOSS Emmanuel;  COATANOAN Christine;  D'ORTENZIO Fabrizio;  JOHNSON Ken;  LOTLIKER Aneesh;  ULLOA Osvaldo; 

2012-01-20

International Ocean-Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG)

JRC67902

1098-6030,   

http://www.ioccg.org/reports/IOCCG_Report11.pdf,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC67902,