θ-S Diagram

The θ-S diagram feature allows you to visualize potential temperature-absolute salinity relationships of Argo float profiles in the current search area.

Accessing θ-S Diagram

The θ-S diagram is available to logged-in users only.

1. After performing a search, click the View θ-S button in the top-right corner of the map
2. The system will generate a θ-S diagram based on the current search results
3. The diagram appears as an overlay on the map

Profile Limit

• Maximum 500 profiles can be used to generate a θ-S diagram
• If your search contains more than 500 profiles, an error message will appear
• Narrow your search criteria to reduce the number of profiles

θ-S Diagram Display

Background Chart

• Shows potential temperature (vertical axis) vs absolute salinity (horizontal axis) relationships
• Displays density contour lines and water mass boundaries

Selected Profile Line

• When you select a float on the map, its temperature-salinity profile is highlighted
• Appears as a colored line overlaying the background chart
• Updates automatically when you select different floats

Tips

• Use it to identify different water masses and their characteristics
• The diagram helps understand the oceanographic context of your selected profiles

Background

A θ-S diagram (Temperature-Salinity diagram) is a fundamental tool in oceanography for:

• Identifying water masses and their properties
• Understanding mixing processes between different water types
• Analyzing the vertical structure of the water column
• Detecting seasonal and regional variations in ocean properties