TAO Refresh data are distributed on the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) under the SSVX08 KWNB header in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) FM18 – BUOY alphanumeric format. Due to the increased reporting capability provided by TAO Refresh, hourly surface messages (winds, air temperature, relative humidity, and sea surface temperature) and subsurface messages (ocean temperatures) are now available. The WMO numbers for the TAO Refresh buoys are available at the URL.

Legacy ATLAS data are distributed on the GTS with the assistance of Service Argos and the Data Buoy Co-operation Panel. Hourly surface messages (winds, air temperature, relative humidity, and sea surface temperature) and daily averaged subsurface messages (ocean temperatures) are available in WMO code form FM 18-X BUOY with bulletin header SSVX08 KARS. TRITON data are also transmitted via the GTS. For more information on the TRITON buoys, see the TRITON web pages.

The surface messages are hourly values, but the sampling method differs between Standard and NextGeneration ATLAS systems. Details may be found in the TAO sampling page. Surface messages are generated whenever Argos receives a satellite pass, typically 2-4 times per day for ATLAS moorings.

The buoys transmit from 0600-1000, 1200-1600 local times (not GMT). The buoys transmit only 8 hours a day in order to conserve battery power and reduce telemetry cost. The morning and afternoon transmit windows coincide with satellite passes. Transmit windows for the buoys are listed below in GMT. Across the TAO array few observations are reported in real-time between 0600 and 1200 GMT.