TAO array

TAO array
Name	TAO array
Type	Oceanographic and atmospheric observing array
Country	International
Established	1983
Operator	Multinational consortium

TAO array is a basin-scale network of moored observing platforms in the tropical Pacific designed to monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions associated with interannual climate variability. The system provides continuous time-series measurements of sea surface temperature, subsurface temperature, surface winds, humidity, and currents that are central to predicting phenomena such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation and extreme weather. Operated by a multinational partnership of research institutions and agencies, the array supports global climate models, numerical weather prediction, and applied services for fisheries and disaster preparedness.

Introduction

The array spans the equatorial Pacific from the western Pacific warm pool near Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to the South American coast near Ecuador and Peru, forming a backbone for tropical observing systems alongside Argo floats and satellite missions such as TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1, Jason-2, and Jason-3. Its observational strategy complements efforts by agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, and the Tropical Atmosphere–Ocean (TAO) Project partners. Data from the array feed into operational centers like the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society.

History and Development

The concept emerged from scientific collaborations during the late 1970s and early 1980s after influential events such as the 1982–83 El Niño prompted international coordination. Programs that contributed to its genesis include the World Climate Research Programme, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and initiatives led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and NOAA. Over time, technological upgrades and expansions involved organizations such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and universities like the University of Hawaii and Columbia University. Key operational milestones paralleled satellite launches like ERS-1 and GFO (satellite), and model developments at centers including NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Design and Instrumentation

The moorings are engineered to survive equatorial currents, wind-driven forcing, and tropical storms, incorporating innovations from manufacturers and institutions such as Teledyne Marine, Mooring Systems LLC, and research groups at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Instrument suites typically include thermistors, current meters, anemometers, barometers, and radiometers from suppliers and laboratories like Met Office instrument programs and JAMSTEC engineering teams. Sensors are calibrated against standards used by National Institute of Standards and Technology and tested following protocols from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change observational guidance. Mooring designs evolved with input from expeditions aboard research vessels such as RV Roger Revelle, RV Melville, and R/V Sonne.

Scientific Objectives and Uses

Primary objectives are to observe the coupled ocean–atmosphere system governing El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability, validate satellite retrievals from missions like Aqua and Terra, and provide boundary conditions for climate models developed at GFDL and Met Office Hadley Centre. Applications include seasonal forecasting at centers such as the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, monitoring fisheries-relevant temperature anomalies for agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization, and supporting studies of tropical cyclone genesis examined by researchers affiliated with NOAA Hurricane Research Division and University of Miami.

Deployment and Operations

Deployment and maintenance require coordinated shiptime, logistics, and international agreements involving ports and institutions in Honolulu, Guayaquil, Lae, and Papeete. Operations rely on vessels and crews from organizations such as NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown and research fleets operated by Australia’s CSIRO and France’s IFREMER. Routine servicing includes battery replacement, sensor calibration, and mooring recovery and redeployment during cruises planned with support from agencies like NASA and NOAA. Data telemetry combines near-real-time satellite relay via systems similar to ARGOS and delayed-mode recovery following procedures endorsed by the Global Ocean Observing System.

Data Processing and Accessibility

Quality-controlled datasets undergo standardized processing at data centers including NOAA PMEL, Scripps Institution of Oceanography archives, and the International Data Centre. Outputs conform to formats used by the World Meteorological Organization and are assimilated into operational forecasting systems at ECMWF and NCEP. Open-access policies facilitate usage by universities and agencies such as University of Washington, University of California, San Diego, and the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, enabling reproducible research and educational projects.

Impact and Future Directions

The array has been instrumental in improving the prediction of El Niño events, informing decision-makers during crises related to droughts and floods, and advancing coupled model development at institutions such as NCAR and Princeton University. Future directions emphasize resiliency to vandalism and piracy, incorporation of biogeochemical sensors pioneered by groups at MBARI and Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, and integration with autonomous platforms from WHOI and Kongsberg. Planned collaborations with space agencies like ESA and JAXA aim to synergize in situ and remote observations for next-generation seasonal-to-decadal prediction.

Category:Oceanography