SOFS is an observing platform in the Sub-Antarctic Zone, approximately 350 nautical miles southwest of Tasmania. It obtains frequent measurements of the surface and deep ocean properties that control the transfer of heat, moisture, energy and CO2 between the atmosphere and the upper ocean to improve understanding of climate and carbon processes.
The mooring was first deployed at (46.7S, 142E) in March 2010 and recovered in April 2011. It was re-deployed in November 2011 at (46.8S, 142E) and recovered in July 2012, it was then re-deployed in August 2012 at (-46.7S, 142E) and recovered in January 2013, it was then re-deployed in May 2013 at (-46.8S, 142E) and recovered in October 2013. The mooring was redeployed in March 2015.
The SOFS is equiped with two identical ASIMET systems and telemetry to provide real time data to marine observers and researchers.