Data Flow

The following figure represents a schematic view of this Surface Drifters organizational structure.  Real-time position and temperature data are transferred by ARGOS to the GTS network.  This real-time data does not, however, utilize optimal calibration functions, nor is it be quality-controlled.  All drifter data collected as part of Surface Drifters also pass to AOML where it is quality controlled.  This quality-controlled data is made available immediately to all participants in Surface Drifters.  After six months, copies of the data are transferred to MEDS for archival and distribution to the broader scientific community.

The Krigged data file constitutes the output product of the Surface Drifters. The entire data set submitted by AOML is archived by MEDS.  This file contains all associated information, such as drogue type, deployment date, date drogue lost, etc.