What was the observation strategy?
The scientific rationale for the observation strategy was set out in the Implementation Plan which described three Core Projects; 1) the Global Description, 2) the Southern Ocean, and 3) the Gyre Dynamics Experiment. The field programme for those Core Projects was set out in terms of the required observations; a grid of hydrographic sections, locations of current meter moorings, coverage of surface drifters and subsurface floats, locations of sea-level stations, and optimum sampling routes for XBTs (eXpendable BathyThermographs). Supporting all these in situ measurements were the global satellite missions. Countries with national WOCE funding were invited to state which parts of the field programme they would do, while the Data Information Unit (DIU) kept track of the commitments and activities. The SSG (Scientific Steering Group), its sub-committees and the IPO (International Project Office) co-ordinated the field programme to ensure all critical observations were made and that effort
