A 27-day research expedition in October 2025 aboard the RV Falkor (too) saw scientists exploring the Malvinas Current off the coast of Argentina, deploying drifting buoys to gather crucial oceanographic data. Melina M. Martinez, a PhD candidate at the Sea and Atmosphere Research Center (CIMA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a key member of the team, focusing on the assembly and deployment of these specialized buoys.

Martinez explained that the buoys are essential tools for understanding ocean currents. "The buoys allow us to see what is really happening in the ocean," she said. Each buoy contains a battery pack, a GPS unit, and a drogue, an underwater component that provides resistance and ensures the buoy drifts with the current. The drogue is critical; without it, Martinez noted, the buoy's measurements would be "chaotic."

The research expedition, supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, included biologists, geologists, and physical oceanographers. Martinez's primary responsibility was assembling the buoys on board the vessel due to the fragility of their components. This involved painting the buoys yellow for increased visibility, checking GPS connections, and ensuring the batteries were functioning correctly.

The Malvinas Current, also known as the Falkland Current, is a cold ocean current that flows northward along the eastern coast of South America. Understanding its dynamics is crucial for climate modeling and predicting weather patterns. The data collected by the buoys will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex current and its impact on the region's ecosystem.

The use of drifting buoys in oceanographic research is a well-established practice. These buoys transmit data via satellite, providing real-time information on sea surface temperature, salinity, and current speed. This data is then used to validate and improve ocean models, which are essential for forecasting climate change and its effects.

The data collected during the expedition will be analyzed by researchers at CIMA and other institutions. The findings will be published in scientific journals and shared with the broader scientific community. This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge about the world's oceans and the critical role they play in regulating the Earth's climate.