Dataset: Biofloat_48 surface GPS position and time data

Built at the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory, the Lagrangian Float is not an ARGO float. It is primarily designed to accurately follow the three-dimensional motion of water parcels within the mixed layer, through a combination of neutral buoyancy and high drag provided by a one meter diameter black drogue. Typical buoyancies of a few grams result in vertical velocities relative to the water of a few mm/s, small compared to the cm/s turbulent velocities in the mixed layer. The float’s motion within the mixed layer thus closely imitates that of a planktonic organism. The float can also profile vertically. It sends data and receives commands using the Iridium satellite system. The float is designed to accommodate a wide variety of sensors.