Towards an Arctic Profiling Floats Program for IPY and Beyond

Present knowledge of the circulation of the mid-depth and deep layers of the Arctic Ocean is limited, especially so from direct current observations. This is in contrast to the circulation of sea ice and the surface layer of the Arctic, where satellite observations together with ice buoys have been able to monitor the circulation since the late 1970s. This lack of knowledge is surprising as the mid-depth circulation of waters of Atlantic origin is thought of as an important part of the Arctic hydrography, with far-reaching effects on the overall heat, salt and freshwater budget. Here we present new techniques and planned field test of profiling floats capable of passively following currents at a discrete depth and to profile the upper part of the water column at regular intervals. We have proposed to test these float and telemetry techniques during the pan-arctic Beringia 2005 cruise in summer of 2005. The development and field test will be a proof of concept, and upon success, will lead the way to possible future deployments of multiple floats around the Arctic Ocean for the International Polar Year and beyond.