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Multi-National Argo
The array is made up of 23 different countries contributions that range from a single float, to the U.S. contribution, which is roughly 50% of the global array. To see how many floats are deployed by each country, look at the 2007 Commitments Table Funding mechanisms differ widely between counties and involve over 50 research and operational agencies. Each national program has its own priorities but all nations subscribe to the goal of building the global array and to Argo's open data policy. Management of ArgoThe project is overseen by an International Argo Steering Team and a Data Management Team that are comprised of representataives of float-providing countries. The array's growth is monitored by the Technical Coordinator at the Argo Information Center (AIC) that is located in Toulouse as part of the JCOMMOPS monitoring and co-ordinating system for operational ocean observations. There is also an Argo Director. A primary function of the AIC is to implement resolution XX-6 of the Intergovernmental Ocean ographic Commission of UNESCO. This resolution states that : "Concerned coastal states must be informed in advance, through appropriate channels, of all deployments of profiling floats which might drift into waters under their jurisdiction, indicating the exact location of such deployments." Thus the AIC operates a formal deployment notification process and some countries have given formal concurrence for the operation of Argo floats within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Countries Involved in Argo
Several other
countries including Cook Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Indonesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have assisted
greatly
with float deployments using everything from small research vessels to huge container ships to aircraft. Broader participation in Argo by
many nations and research groups is
encouraged either through float
procurement, logistical support for float deployment, or
through
analysis and assimilation of Argo data. Flags courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with permission. |
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