How Argo Floats Work
Argos are like Underwater Robots that float around at about 1000m (1 km) below sea level. They float here for 9 days, then sink down to about 2 kilometres of depth before they come up to the surface. On its way up, an Argo Float measures temperature and salinity through the water column. Once it's on the surface, it transmits that data to a satellite and then repeats the process, sinking back down to 1000m and spending another 9 days drifting.
Argos are like Underwater Robots that float around at about 1000m (1 km) below sea level. They float here for 9 days, then sink down to about 2 kilometres of depth before they come up to the surface. On its way up, an Argo Float measures temperature and salinity through the water column. Once it's on the surface, it transmits that data to a satellite and then repeats the process, sinking back down to 1000m and spending another 9 days drifting.
The Journey of the Argo Float - Sorting activity. (Link)
Print off the cards and arrows and sort into correct order
The buoyancy of an Argo float is controlled to make it rise or sink. This is done by pumping oil between internal and external bladders.
The buoyancy of an Argo float is controlled to make it rise or sink. This is done by pumping oil between internal and external bladders.
A Cartesian Diver works on similar scientific principles.
A Cartesian Diver works on similar scientific principles.
LEARNZ Virtual Field trip
LEARNZ Virtual Field trip
- fabulous activities, background readings, videos and more from a Learnz virtual field trip back in 2014 (still very relevant). click here
- fabulous activities, background readings, videos and more from a Learnz virtual field trip back in 2014 (still very relevant). click here
Dr Phil Sutton is an Oceanographer at NIWA. He works closely with the Argo Project. Phil has a very 'easy to understand' manner which makes these videos so meaningful and useful.
Dr Phil Sutton is an Oceanographer at NIWA. He works closely with the Argo Project. Phil has a very 'easy to understand' manner which makes these videos so meaningful and useful.
The Science Learning Hub have put up some videos of him explaining about Argo Floats.
The Science Learning Hub have put up some videos of him explaining about Argo Floats.