European Contribution to Argo   The Euro-Argo array is the
European component of a world wide in situ global ocean
observing system, based on autonomous profiling floats. The
Euro-Arogo objective is to provide a sustained European
contribution to the international Argo program  The main
objective of the Euro-Argo preparatory phase is to undertake the
work needed to ensure that by 2010 Europe will be able to:    •
Deploy, maintain and operate an array of 800 floats. This will
require Europe to deploy 250 floats per annum worldwide.   •
Provide a world-class service to the research (climate) and
environment monitoring (e.g. GMES) communities.  This project
will consolidate and broaden the present European participation
in Argo and will develop further a leading role of Europe in
global ocean observations and in ocean and climate research. By
providing adequate networking and cooperation between member
states, it will give an increased visibility to the large
contribution made by Europe to Argo and will contribu