Abstract
Schemes for optimizing ocean observation programs are presently the subject of increased interest since in principle they should lead to the improved understanding of the dynamical state of the ocean that is required within the present regime of climate change. Here we use an adjoint sensitivity analysis together with a four-dimensional fluctuating oceanic current system to identify key regions for intensive monitoring by drifting profiling float. In this way we aim to maximize observational efficiency. As a scientific benchmark for the validity of our approach, we have attempted to define the ambient sensitivity of the oceanic heat content to a subtle change in water temperature within the Pacific Basin. We focus on the interannual to multidecadal variations in particular. As a result, sensitivity signals reflecting changes in heat content exhibit a characteristic pattern in the three-dimensional continuum and have drastic temporal changes. This implies that the key regions will depend greatly on the operational timeframe of the observing system. We demonstrate a more effective geographic deployment strategy for the profiling floats monitoring changes in the oceanic heat content on a decadal timescale.