Oceanographic applications of the Argos system

Since 1978, the Argos Data Collection and Location System (DCLS), operating in bilateral cooperative use of NOAA's TIROS series of polar orbiting satellites, has played a leading role in most major worldwide oceanographic data collection programs. This paper describes the Service Argos/NOAA satellite system, its' policy and operation, and recent Argos system technological advances. Information concerning past, present, and future major United States, North American, and global oceanographic programs is also presented, along with other types of oceanographic applications possible through the use of the Argos system.