Getting Started with Argo
What is Argo Float? A Complete Guide to Ocean Observation Data
Learn how Argo profiling floats work, what they measure, why their repeated ocean profiles matter, and how to explore the observations.
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Getting Started with Argo
Build a practical foundation in Argo floats, profiles, identifiers, and files.
Getting Started with Argo
How Do Scientists Measure the Ocean? Satellites, Ships, and Argo Floats
Learn what satellites, research ships, moorings, and Argo floats each measure, and why understanding the ocean requires several observing systems.
Getting Started with Argo
How to Read Argo Float Data for Beginners (What to Look at First)
A step-by-step introduction to reading Argo profile context, pressure, temperature, salinity, quality information, and vertical structure.
Getting Started with Argo
Where to Get Argo Float Data: GDACs, Index Files, and Selection Tools
Find the right Argo download route: the two GDAC mirrors, which file type answers your question, and how index files let you decide before downloading.
Getting Started with Argo
Finding Argo Float Profiles by Location, Time, and WMO ID
Learn when to search Argo observations by region and date, by a float's WMO ID, or by the availability of biogeochemical variables.
Getting Started with Argo
Argo NetCDF Format Explained for Beginners
Understand how Argo NetCDF files organize observation context, measurement arrays, dimensions, adjusted variables, metadata, and quality flags.
Getting Started with Argo
Argo Data Quality Control Guide: QC Flags and Adjusted vs. Raw Data
Understand Argo QC flags, real-time vs delayed-mode data, and how to choose adjusted values before using Argo float data.
Getting Started with Argo
Why Can't We Observe the Whole Ocean? Limits and Data Gaps
Understand why ocean observations contain gaps across depth, space, time, and variables, and how to distinguish measurements from estimates.