The XBT ( eXpendable BathyThermograph) probes provide vertical temperature profiles from the surface down to a depth, depending on probes type, reaching 1500 meters. The probes that we are using on our network are of T7 type and provide information down to a 7-800 meters depth.

The full resolution (1 meter) profile is recorded on board on a PC. A message, reduced to about 15 inflexion points of the depth-temperature curve is sent by satellite within three hours via Argos, then distributed worldwide over the GTS (Global Telecommunication System).

The XBT data acquisition system used on board of merchant vessels.