Diving Deep for Data

Our first float, Data Diver, has been deployed.

 

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Data Diver – Penn Alexander School in Philadelphia, PA

Location: 4º 28’ S, 25ºW

Time: FRI 10 MAR 2023 18:18 UTC

Float Number: 1475  (WMO: 4903489)

Float Type: Navis

Float Program: GO-BGC

This float was adopted by Penn Alexander School in Philadelphia, PA. The school adopted Sadie earlier (the school’s namesake) so this is their second adopted float and this was the first BGC-Argo float deployed on this cruise!

close-up of data diver float artwork
Close up of Data Diver design. Photo by Ellen Park.
Image provided by the Penn Alexander School for float design. Designed by Irene Guzmán.
Image provided by the Penn Alexander School for float design. Designed by Irene Guzmán.

Sensitive Sensors

BGC-Argo floats are equipped with a variety of sensors. While the float and the instruments can withstand the cold, salty, and high-pressure conditions of the ocean, it is important to make sure the floats are handled carefully prior to deployment. As a result, they are transported and stored in these sturdy wooden crates and packed with foam.

Data Diver in storage crate. Photo by Ellen Park.
Data Diver in its storage crate. Photo by Ellen Park.

The packaging foam also doubles as supports, which are used to keep the float safe on deck prior to deployment.

Data Diver on the deck of the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown in foam supports prior to deployment. Photo by Ellen Park.
Data Diver on the deck of the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown in foam supports prior to deployment. Photo by Ellen Park.

Our First Deployment

Once we arrive at the deployment location, the float is carefully hand lowered over the side of the ship into the water. After it is released, the float sinks. At depth, the float turns on, returns to the surface, and sends its location out. We have already received the first messages from this float, which means the deployment was a success!

Check out the Eagles in the Deep post for tips on visualizing this floats data!

Data Diver being deployed. Photo by Tyler Christian.
Data Diver being deployed. Photo by Tyler Christian.