Contribution of the Argos System for the Study of the Polar Regions,

The Argos data collection and location system, aboard the NOAA polar orbiters, has been used by many scientists studying the polar regions. This paper will describe the latest improvements in this, the first worldwide operational location system, and summarize some applications of the Argos System developed by North American users in the polar regions. Arctic applications include drifting buoy collection of meteorological andor oceanographic data to support operational programs using the ice as a research platform, e.g., undersea acoustic noise measurements determination of the effects of long-term loading stresses on sea ice oil exploration and operations, including pollution and environmental monitoring tracking movements of wolves, caribou, polar bears and grizzly bears. Antarctic applications include environmental research for a better understanding of microbial ecosystems winter data acquisition on ice motion using parachute dropped buoys oceanographic drifters to support operational and research programs automatic weather and geophysical stations high-altitude balloon experiments to observe supernovas long-duration balloon experiments to collect data on stratospheric winds tracking movements of fur and Weddell seals, and penguins.