Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory

The Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory (GP1 or TDP) is a research platform designed to study ocean-atmosphere interactions by floating freely on the ocean surface. Equipped with sensors and instruments, it gathers data on climate, weather patterns, and ocean conditions as it drifts with currents. By collecting real-time information across multiple scientific fields—like meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science—it helps researchers understand complex Earth systems and improve climate models, all while observing the natural variability of the ocean and atmosphere in their dynamic interaction.