Tasks

The PIANO project is organised in 7 work packages (WP):

  • WP0: Project coordination
  • WP1: Purchase of Argo BGC floats

            The aim is to contribute to the new phase of the TGIR Euro-Argo on the BGC Argo component.  In this context, the purchase of several BGC profilers is planned.

  • WP2: CTD sensors

             The three fundamental parameters of Argo are pressure, temperature and salinity (CTD: Conductivity, Temperature, Depth). These sensors must meet the quality standards necessary for the scientific exploitation of Argo, and be diversified. New sensors will be developed and/or evaluated within this WP.

  • WP3: Development of the BGC sensor offer

             The international BGC-Argo programme recommends the measurement of 6 essential ocean variables (EOVs): pH, oxygen concentration, nitrate concentration, chlorophyll a concentration, particle backscatter and illumination. We aim to develop innovative and competitive sensors that allow the measurement of some of these essential variables, and propose the development of other sensors (e.g. small organism density).

  • WP4: Development of a Deep Argo 6000 m profiler  

             Within the framework of the Equipex NAOS project, Ifremer has developed a profiler operating at up to 4000 m and offering the unique possibility of measuring dissolved oxygen. It has demonstrated the importance of deep-sea exploration in the context of Argo. To increase its position in the Deep-Argo market, Ifremer will develop a 6000 m profiler.

  • WP5: Improvement of profiler technology

            Profilers are made up of different sub-assemblies, for which it is important to regularly monitor or update the technology: hydraulic system, electronic assembly, satellite communication system, sensors, etc. This is the purpose of this work package. This is the subject of this WP.

  • WP6: Data processing, including the development of innovative methods

             The quality of Argo data depends crucially on the decoding and control of the data transmitted by satellite. However, for each new sensor or profiler evolution, it is necessary to develop new decoders and to manage the processing up to the end-user (database, quality control in real time and delayed time, distribution, research valorisation). These points require ongoing work, and therefore investment.