We would like to let you know that the 6^th Argo Science Workshop (ASW-6) on "The Argo program in 2020 and beyond: Challenges and opportunities" will be held at Hitotsubashi Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on 22-24 October 2018. The workshop will be a mix of invited and submitted plenary talks and posters, including a dedicated session on Biogeochemical Argo. Contribution towards any of the workshop objectives (see below) and presentations of underpinning science and technology are encouraged.

Abstract submission will close on 10 August 2018. Because of the capacity of the venue, the number of registrations will be limited to 200. Authors are advised not to delay registration.

Background and objective

The progress of Argo has been a highlight of community discussion in both OceanObs'99 and OceanObs'09. Argo will again be in the spotlight in OceanObs'19. The OceanObs'19 Argo Community White Paper is being prepared around Core Argo, Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo, Deep Argo, Data System, and mixing measurements on Argo floats (ArgoMix). The ASW-6 is organized to prepare for Oceanbs'19 by providing an opportunity to share ideas presented in the Argo White Paper among the Argo community and to connect them to other observing networks and user communities including research/operational and other application areas. Particular objectives include:

• to share past/recent scientific and operational achievements of Argo
• to review history/development/justification/previous technology advances of Argo
• to acknowledge present status, problems to be overcome and strengths of Argo
• to discuss the future of Argo: plans for evolution and growth; anticipated technology advances
• to seek end user engagement, based on the link with operational oceanography and including connections to OceanObs'19 conference themes: e.g. climate variability and change, ecosystem health, etc.
• to consider integration with other observing system elements such as satellites, repeat hydrography, moorings, gliders, ship of opportunities, etc.

Structure and organization of the workshop

The 3 day workshop will consist of following sessions:

• Core Argo
• Deep Argo
• Biogeochemical Argo
• Argo Data System
• ArgoMix and other advanced measurements
• End user engagement

Please see the website for a more detailed program: http://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/pr/event/asw6/program.html

There will be an opportunity for commercial exhibit stands integrated with science poster sessions. Morning and afternoon breaks, the scientific poster sessions and exhibition will all be held in a common open space.

With regard to local arrangements, please email the Conference organizers at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.