Visualization and Assessment of Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment Profile Data for the Pacific Ocean

The Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment GODAE is an endeavor that will likely change the path of oceanography for many years. This attempt to assimilate, organize and provide massive quantities of widely varied oceanographic and meteorological data to the world could be a catalyst for new and innovative research opportunities. One of the data sources important to GODAE and of great possible value, the Array for Real-time Geostrophic Oceanography ARGO, is another innovation that may lead to significant improvements in oceanographic modeling and research. The concept of thousands of autonomous floats, reporting ocean conditions to a database that can assimilate and provide this data in real or near-real time, affords countless opportunities for new methods of ocean prediction. The true test of GODAE is to assess the utility of the data available in a real world setting, and ascertain the relative usefulness as it relates to research opportunities and operational data needs. This thesis will assess the utility of the USGODAE data server by retrieving, processing, visualizing and employing the data to observe conditions in and near the Kuroshio Current. By attempting to use the data server in a method similar to future research and operational use, an understanding of its true potential may be reached.