Argo Data Process
A typical 10-day cycle begins with an Argo float at the sea surface (1). Fluid is pumped from an external bladder to the interior of the float. This reduces the float's buoyancy, which allows it to sink to the pre-determined depth of 1000 m (2) where it freely drifts for the next 9.5 days (3). Additional pumping of fluid from the external bladder allows the float to further sink to 2000 m (4). Next, fluid from the inside of the float is pumped to its external bladder, causing the float to rise while collecting temperature and salinity data. Soon after the float reaches the surface (5), it sends its data to a satellite, which relays the data to a receiving land station. Once the float receives confirmation from the satellite that all data were well-received, it begins a new cycle (1).