The Journal of Nature recently published “Fifteen years of ocean observations with the global Argo array”, an article co-authored by Howard Freeland, an Emeritus Scientist in physical oceanography at DFO’s Institute of Ocean Sciences.
The article examines the past achievements and future status of Argo, the largest research project of its type, through which the planet’s oceans are continually monitored by over 3,500 robotic probes deployed by over 30 partner nations.
Dr. Howard Freeland is studying the role of oceans in controlling or moderating global climate change, particularly the El Niño phenomenon. Dr. Freeland has been recognized for his extensive research and publications on climate change and its impact on biological systems; ocean dynamics and control mechanisms; coastal, fjord and seamount oceanography; and Project Argo.
As a significant contributor to Argo, the Government of Canada supports the work of scientists like Dr. Freeland and his DFO colleagues who study valuable ocean resources, and improve our understanding of climate change.
Quick Facts
Argo is the largest ocean climate monitoring system in the world. It is an array of over 3,500 free-drifting floats that collects data on ocean temperature and salinity, providing valuable information on changes to the Earth’s climate and hydrological cycle.
Argo data is open source, and used for a variety of purposes such as assessing climate change, improving weather forecasts and developing ocean models. Since 2001, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched 340 Argo floats, 100 of which are still operating.
For more information, visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.
source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada