Global Drifter Program

The Global Drifter Program (GDP) is the NOAA-led component of the Global Ocean Observing System that maintains a global array of satellite-tracked surface drifters, with a sustained target near 1,250 active units. Each Surface Velocity Program drifter follows the 15 m current with a holey-sock drogue and reports position, sea-surface temperature, and on many units barometric pressure. The GDP data center at NOAA AOML produces the quality-controlled drifter velocity and SST products that map near-surface circulation, validate satellite SST and scatterometer winds, and feed the in situ surface-pressure network for weather analysis. The program traces to the World Ocean Circulation Experiment surface-velocity effort.