Design Requirements for an Argo float array in the Indian Ocean inferred from observing system simulation experiments

Experiments using OGCM output have been performed to assess sampling strategies for the Argo array in the Indian Ocean.The results suggest that spatial sampling is critical for resolving intraseasonal oscillations in the upper ocean, that is, about 500 km in the zonal and about 100 km in the equatorial meridional direction. Frequent temporal sampling becomes particularly important in dynamically active areas such as the western boundary current regime and the equatorial waveguide. High-frequency sampling is required in these areas to maintain an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio, suggesting a minimum sampling interval of 5 days for capturing intraseasonal oscillations in the upper Indian Ocean. Sampling of seasonal and longer-term variability down to 2000-m depth is less critical within the range of sampling options of Argo floats, as signal-to-noise ratios for sampling intervals up to about 20 days are almost always larger than one. However, these results are based on a single OGCM and are subject to model characteristics and errors. Based on a coordinated effort, results from various models could provide more robust estimates by minimizing the impact of individual model errors on sampling strategies. © 2004 American Meteorological Society.