Description:

APEX, like its predecessor ALACE, is a autonomous drifting profiler used to measure subsurface currents and make profile measurements. It surfaces at programmed intervals for data telemetry and geo-location via ARGOS satellite.
Standard sensors include TP and Salinity; other sensor options are available (see below).

APEX has a 4-year life and can surface approximately 150 times from a maximum depth of 2000 meters. APEX is field proven. Over 2100 APEX floats have been delivered to users in 19 nations. Recent field data are available from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Japan, Red and South China Seas.
Including APEX and ALACE, Webb Research has shipped over 3300 floats.

APEX automatically adjusts buoyancy to follow an isobaric surface while drifting, or can be programmed to follow an isopycnal surface.

The optional "park and profile" feature, in use since March 2000, allows drift depth to be de-coupled from maximum profile depth. For example, a float might be programmed to drift at 1000db, then descend to 2000db before profiling upward to the surface.

Floats are provided deployment-ready, and are routinely deployed from merchant ships (VOS) while moving at 20+ knots. The APEX salinity profiler has been certified by US Dept. of Defense for air deployment from C130 aircraft. Proven VOS and aircraft deployment packages are available options. APEX can be easily tested and re-programmed by connecting a terminal.

Directory of Float Users

Sensor Options:

Pumped CTD	Oxygen	Oxygen	Transmissometer	Acoustic Receiver	Temperature Depth	Turbidity
Seabird model 41	Seabird model 43	Aanderaa Optode 3830	Wet Labs C-Rover	RAFOS	Seascan	Sea Point

The Argo-Oxygen Program: A white paper to promote the addition of oxygen sensors to the international Argo float program. December 21, 2006 Nicolas Gruber, Scott C. Doney, Steven R. Emerson, Denis Gilbert, Taiyo Kobayshi, Arne Körtzinger, Gregory C.Johnson, Kenneth S. Johnson, Stephen C. Riser, Osvaldo Ulloa

Deployment Methods: