Physical Oceanography
Abstract
The Physical Oceanography activity develops knowledge of the physics of the ocean to enable tactical naval use and exploitation of the battlespace. This is achieved through the development of predictive models of the water mass structure, waves, currents, and air-sea interactions and developing measurement/observation technology. Other applications utilize knowledge of the interaction of the water column hydrodynamics and the acoustics to predict the undersea transmission characteristics and sources of uncertainty in these statistics. Utilizing knowledge of the ocean surface physics, the physical oceanography program seeks to exploit the combination of remotely sensed data, in-situ data, and adaptively sampled data to optimize predictions of ocean currents and water column structure. These predictions, custom databases, adaptive sampling schemes and data programs serve Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Naval Special Warfare, and Mine and Expeditionary Warfare operations. Oceanographic field research that uses active acoustic transmissions requires modeling of the acoustic effects of sound on marine life in order to meet Navy environmental requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 5d6bc5c3d46f60595e3086cf4eb931ba