Equatorial Pacific TAO Moorings

Methods

     With support from NASA we have instrumented moorings located at 0°N 155°W and 2°S 170°W with irradiance, radiance, absorption and beam attenuation meters. Above the sea we measure downwelling irradiance at SeaWiFS wavelengths. Just below the sea surface we measure upward radiance, absorption and beam attenuation in SeaWiFS wavelengths. At 20 m we measure downward irradiance and upward radiance at SeaWiFS wavelengths. At 10m and 30m we will augment the downward irradiance measurements with single channel 490 nm sensors. With the 490 nm sensors at 10, 20 and 30 m we can calculate the 490 nm attenuation coefficient and be able to propagate 490 nm to just below the air-sea interface. Using the ratio of the above surface measurement of 490 nm to propagated to just below the surface we estimate irradiance just below the sea surface for the other SeaWiFS wavelengths. With the attenuation coefficients and the measured radiances we then calculate water leaving radiances.
     A portion of our data is available in near real-time via service ARGOS. We log most of the data on the mooring and transmit a set of noon-time measurements to coincide with the satellite overflights. These data are automatically processed into geophysical parameters and the raw and derived properties provided in near real-time to NASA.

     View the low-frequency data pathway (via ARGOS messages)

     In addition, whenever opportunity permits, usually every 6 months, data is downloaded directly from the moorings. In addition to calculating the standard products mentioned above, daily and 15 minute averages are derived.

     View the high-frequency data pathway (via direct download)

Relevant Links: 

     Shipboard Volunteer Protocols
    

     If you have comments regarding the Biological Oceanography Group's Equatorial Pacific pages you are welcome to contact us through our group's webmaster.

     Last Updated: 16 June, 2003