Overview
   The purpose of the float DAC is to create a consolidated float data
   set usable by scientists for statistical studies and incorporation 
   into ocean models.  The intent is that the collected data be the best
   and cleanest version available.  To that end, the DAC carefully checks
   each data set. Data are transferred to WDC-A as well as being archived
   and made available by the DAC.

   The Float DAC has received most major historical data sets, checked
   them and transferred them to WDC-A.  The DAC plans to continue as-
   sembling historical data, at the same time WOCE data sets are coming
   in.  When data is acquired by the DAC, an attempt is made to also
   acquire background information (data reports, e.g.) and a list of
   references.

   Many WOCE subsurface floats have been launched, some are being tracked,
   and others have been submitted to the DAC with future release dates.  
   All available WOCE float data is included on this CD-ROM.

   WOCE non-acoustic Autonomous Lagrangian Circulation Explorer (ALACE)
   float data for the Pacific (thru December 1996) and for the Drake
   Passage are included on this CD-ROM.  The DAC receives yearly up-
   dates of ALACE data, and releases them as permitted. 

   The DAC issues summary reports, tables, and figures, which describe
   the assembled float data at roughly yearly intervals. Some of these
   are available on the Worldwide Web at http://wfdac.whoi.edu or at 
   OCEANIC (http://www.cms.udel.edu).

Data Processing
   The Float DAC expects to receive "final archive versions" of data
   already quality-controlled and calibrated by each PI.  Some checks
   will be made to see that the obtained data look reasonable.  Exten-
   sive quality control checks will not be performed.  PI's will be
   notified of any anomalous data and these will be flagged till cor-
   rected.

Data Availability
   Float data will be treated like all other WOCE data (proprietary
   for two years, public thereafter) except that the two years starts
   when the floats have stopped working.  The Float community has a-
   dopted a pragmatic approach of immediate release to those making
   sensible requests, with the publication rights remaining with the
   PI's during the proprietary period described above.  The DAC is
   honoring the release dates requested by data contributors.

Access to Float Data
   The released data files are available as compressed (zip) files
   in either NetCDF (WOCE) or an ASCII format (historic) from
                http://wfdac.whoi.edu.  

   Scientists who wish to obtain the newer float data to incorporate
   with their own data or models should contact the Principal Inves-
   tigators (see Table of Data above or the inventory in the float sec-
   tion of the WOCE pages under Data Information Sources).

   If you use data from this archive, please reference the Principal
   Investigators.