Lagrangian Platforms
Autonomous observation platforms for research in the Western Mediterranean
The Lagrangian Platforms Facility includes surface and subsurface drift buoys, as well as autonomous drift profilers.
Surface and subsurface drift buoys
Surface drift buoys (CODE/DAVIS, CARTHE, ODi, HEREON, etc.) and subsurface drift buoys (such as SVP and SVP-B, Global Drifter Program - NOAA) are oceanographic instruments consisting of a sphere or floating dis that is connected to a drogue that extends below the water's surface. These devices float on the ocean surface and move with the ocean currents, and, through GPS positioning, allow for the measurement of position and calculation of trajectories, and therefore, surface currents. Additionally, some also measure sea surface temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Autonomous drift profilers
The profilers (Argo observation program) are submersible robots equipped with physical and/or biogeochemical sensors that provide vertical profiles of some of the ocean's essential variables (EOVs) down to 2,000 meters deep. In this way, they offer a quantitative description of the water masses up to this depth, allowing for the identification of patterns of climatic and/or biogeochemical variability in the ocean across different time scales.
Explore the lagrangian platforms currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea
See the lagrangian platforms currently deployed, the trajectory followed during the last 60 days, and the most recent transmitted information, by clicking on the icon on the map.
Consult the metocean data provided by the Lagrangian Platforms Facility
Through their trajectory, surface and subsurface drift buoys provide information on surface currents, sea surface temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Profilers provide vertical profiles of up to 2,000 meters deep. The data recorded by the Lagrangian platforms can be consulted and downloaded below.
Conoce las distintas Plataformas lagrangianas de la ICTS SOCIB, ¿Cuáles son y para qué sirven?
Lagrangian Platforms Facility in Figures in 2024
Key metrics that allow measuring the impact of the operational activity of the ICTS SOCIB's Lagrangian Platforms Facility
Collaboration Networks
The ICTS SOCIB's Lagrangian Platforms Facility actively participates in competitive international, European, national, and regional projects. Its operations are supported through participation in the Global Drifter Program of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European consortium Euro-Argo ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium), which actively coordinates and strengthens the European contribution to the international Argo program. Additionally, it collaborates closely with companies, public administrations, and managers to promote a sustainable, science-based management of the marine and coastal resources of the Balearic Islands.
Funding
The acquisition of the profilers AI2600-22EU006, AI2600-22EU007, AI2600-22EU005, AI2600-23SP009, AI2600-23SP010, AI2600-24SP101 and AI2600-24SP102 is part of the support ICT2021-006959, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities and by the European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR.
Know more about our facilities
Metocean Data Repository
Glider Fleet
Research Vessel
Lagrangian Platforms
Fixed Platforms
HF Coastal Radar
Beach Monitoring
Satellite Remote Sensing
Modelling and Forecasting
