Japanese Argo Float Oceanographic Profile Data

Argo floats operated by Japanese institutions provide a global array of ocean temperature and salinity profiles. The dataset results from international cooperation led by JAMSTEC, JMA, and other Japanese agencies, with JMA handling real-time and JAMSTEC handling delayed-mode data processing. This site presents a subset of observations contributed by Japanese floats.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical profiles of temperature and salinity from Argo floats to study ocean heat uptake.
• Assessing sea surface salinity variations using sensor data from the global float array for climate model validation.
• Tracking float trajectory and dive cycle data to understand ocean current dynamics and water mass movement.
• Comparing real-time (JMA-processed) and delayed-mode (JAMSTEC-processed) quality-controlled data for sensor drift correction studies.

Strengths

• Data originates from the international Argo program, a core component of the Global Ocean Observing System.
• Includes both real-time and scientifically quality-controlled (delayed-mode) data streams for reliability.
• Observations are contributed by multiple authoritative Japanese agencies (JAMSTEC, JMA, FRA) ensuring operational rigor.

Limitations

• The specific subset size, temporal coverage, and geographic extent of the Japanese-contributed data are not provided.
• Unknown if the presented data includes all measured variables (e.g., pressure, temperature, salinity) or a subset.
• Lack of clarity on data format, access methods, and update frequency hinders immediate usability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and other Japanese partners within the international Argo program.

Collection Method

Observations collected by autonomous profiling Argo floats deployed globally, with data processing split between JMA (real-time) and JAMSTEC (delayed-mode).

Geography

Global oceans, with specific coverage of the subset contributed by Japanese floats unknown.