NEW TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT: An ocean observation fleet of Argo floats for the Thermal Dome, off shore Central America.
We are very excited to share some very important news! We have deployed a new technology as part of the ongoing marine technological network effort, Argo floats, autonomous robotic devices equipped with sensors to measure the water column down to 4 thousan meters. This was the inaugural mission of the Argo-Dome project, an ambitious effort to implement a modern ocean observation framework for dynamic management in the Thermal Dome and contribute to global oceanographic and robotic research. For Costa Rica and the region, it was a critical step forward.
The Journey Begins
On October 30, the first batch of six floats arrived at the Department of Physics, Universidad Nacional, their temporary home before deployment. The team received two BGC floats, two Core floats, and two Deep floats. The mission plan involved deploying three floats on this expedition: one of each type. The remaining floats will be deployed in stages over the next year.
By October 31, the team completed a thorough visual inspection, tests, and validation of the floats to ensure their readiness. Early on November 1, with anticipation high, the floats were carefully transported from the university to Puntarenas. After a two-hour bus ride, the team reached the port under a sizzling 34°C sun. The crew, led by Captain Mora, assisted with loading the equipment aboard Kiki.
Before departure, one float made a special detour to Colegio Científico de Puntarenas, where teacher Keren and her marine biology students hosted the team. In a two-hour session, the students learned about the floats, participated in games and trivia, and became the first high school in the Americas to join the Adopt-A-Float program. “Adopting a float connects students directly to real-world science,” we explained, “It’s an opportunity for them to follow its journey and contribute to understanding the ocean.” By 1 p.m., the team returned to the vessel, ener gized by the students’ enthusiasm and ready to embark.
Understanding the Argo Float Program
The Argo float program is a global network of autonomous profiling floats that drift through the oceans, collecting vital data on temperature, salinity, and biogeochemical properties. Each float is designed to dive to depths of up to 2000 or 4000 meters, recording profiles of the water column and surfacing periodically to transmit data via satellite. This data feeds into international research efforts, helping scientists monitor ocean health, study climate change, and improve weather and climate forecasting. The floats used in the Argo-Dome project are cutting-edge, equipped with additional sensors for biogeochemical and acoustic monitoring, making them invaluable tools for understanding the unique dynamics of the Thermal Dome.
At Sea: Trial and Triumphs
The expedition’s early hours brought unforeseen challenges. On November 2, rough seas greeted Kiki. A tropical atmospheric wave and a southwest swell combined, creating treacherous conditions. Seasickness swept through the crew and even affected the cooks. Safety became the priority, and the team adjusted the schedule, reaching the Dome’s edge late at night. They waited for dawn to begin operations.
With the first light of November 3, the team sprang into action. Deployments began with precision: first, the Core Argo, followed by the Deep Argo, and finally the BGC Argo, which was equipped with a soundtrap for passive acoustic monitoring. Each deployment included a CTD cast with the SBE19 to validate float data. Despite the initial challenges, the team executed the plan with efficiency and care.
Smooth Return and Arrival
The return journey on November 4 was calm, a welcome contrast to the turbulent outward trip. Spirits aboard Kiki were high as the team reviewed preliminary data, which already hinted at exciting insights into the Dome’s unique dynamics. By late afternoon, Kiki docked safely in Puntarenas, marking the successful conclusion of this first mission.
Next days were followed by several strategical meetings and networking. A technical workshop was held at the Department of Physics, UNA. The agenda covered, calibration, historical context, technical and hardware evolution, data management, communications, data access, quality assurance and data processing.
Next Steps
Teamwork was crucial throughout the expedition. From coordinating logistics and shipping to navigating fieldwork challenges, every partner played an essential role. The kick-off mission was a success, not just scientifically but also in fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The project’s secondary objectives also made significant strides. The visit of the French delegation included strategic meetings and interactions with educational and institutional groups, paving the way for capacity building and technological transfer. These efforts aim to advance the project on multiple dimensions—scientific, educational, and technological.
Looking ahead, we are looking for more funding to prioritize the Bristlemouth implementation over the next 6 months, scale up the Adopt a float program, and for the team will analyze the collected data from smart moorings and buoys, prepare for the next deployment, and continue strengthening partnerships. The funds from Experiment.com have been critical to achieve this important milestone, from covering the shipping and handling fees to enabling the titanium valve that allows the Soundtrap to get to 500 meters deep.
Now our network has expanded, not only coastal but now off-shore, we look for many maintenance and deployment expeditions in the future and any help is appreciated towards achieving our objectives in the long term, which is to provide a sustainable management framework for Area Based Management Tools in the High Seas. The Argo-Dome project has only just begun!
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