Operating principles of the ISABP

The ISABP strive to:-

Maintain a data network over the South Atlantic Ocean using in situ ocean platforms such as island weather stations, moored buoys and in particular drifting buoys;
Establish and maintain data collection and data communication facilities, and ensure that the necessary quality control is undertaken according to DBCP guidelines;
Distribute basic meteorological and oceanographic data from the network at operationally useful time-scales over the Global Telecommunication System;
Arrange for the archival of data from the network and for the provision of archived data sets to programme participants; * Liaise on technical aspects of buoy development and operational matters;
Continually review the effectiveness of the programme in satisfying data requirements of the users.

Operational Area

The operational area is the Tropical and South Atlantic Ocean.

Variables

Atmospheric pressure, sea-surface temperature and buoy location are reported. Additional variables such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure tendency, wind speed and direction, and surface and sub-surface oceanographic variables, especially waves are viewed as highly desirable.

Data archiving

All basic Meteorological and oceanographic data from drifting buoys in the programme are archived by the Integrated Science Data Management (previously MEDS) (Canada), as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) responsible national oceanographic data centre for drifting buoys.

Other buoy data quality control and archivial activities are relevat to the programme, inparticular those of the Global Drifter Centre in Miami.

Basic network density

To be consistent with the requirements stated by the World Weather Watch and Global Observing System, we attempt to provide a network of the basic variables with data points spaced at approximately 250 km intervals over the operational area. As far as is practicable, sufficient platforms are deployed to achieve and maintain this density, taking into account other observing system components.

Buoy recovery and refurbishment

Participants retain ownership of their buoys which are deployed. While no specific plans for buoy recovery are made, agencies are encouraged to make arrangements, as appropriate, for the recovery, refurbishment and re-deployment of buoys which drift ashore or which, in other ways, no longer contribute to the goals of the programme.

Data acquisition and distribution

All buoys in the basic network are equipped with transmitters to enable basic meteorological and oceanographic data to be transmitted in real-time (synoptic or asynoptic mode). As a preferred approach, data are collected and located via the Argos systems;
All basic meteorological and oceanographic data are coded in the approved WMO code form for buoys;
Data collected through the Argos system are inserted by CLS/Service Argos to the Global Telecommunication System. Data collected by the participants through other means may also be inserted on the Global Telecommunications System;
The programme seek to establish and maintain, as necessary, Argos Local User Terminals (LUT's) covering the area.

Duration

The programme will operate for an initial five-year period with formal review by the participants after three years leading to a decision on its continuation.

Funding arrangements

The programme will be self-sustaining, supported by contributions in the form of equipment, services (such as communications, development, archiving or co-ordination) or monetary contribution. As necessary, suitable arrangements will be made for the administration of the monetary contribution by the participants.

Meetings

An annual meeting of the participants will be held at a location to be determined by them. All the participants are eligible to attend at their own expense.

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