Photos: Floating computers keep an eye on the oceans

Part of a programme to improve the understanding of the world's oceans

By Tim Ferguson, 21 November 2007 16:32

The Met Office is taking part in a global programme to monitor the world's oceans to improve understanding of how they influence climate change.

The Argo programme uses thousands of floating devices like the one pictured, which provide continuous data from even the remotest parts of the world's oceans.

The Met Office manages the UK part of the programme and has deployed around 230 Argo floats to date. It works in partnership with the British Oceanographic Data centre, National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and the UK Hydrographic Office.

Photo credit: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

Log in or create your silicon.com account below

Will not be displayed with your comment

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Membership FAQ