Ocean Thermal Analysis and Related Naval Operational Considerations in the Ionian Sea - June 1980.
Abstract
A synoptic analysis of the Ionian Sea in June 1980 showed thermal patterns of various scale sizes, and in particular, a warm core eddy which was comparable in size (ca. 30 km) and location with one found in MILOC-68. Spatial correlation functions of temperature were anisotropic in the southern part, with zero-crossings of 30 km in the EW direction and 40 to 80 km in the NS direction, commensurate with the (first mode) baroclinic Rossby radius of deformation of 23 km. There was a shallow main sound channel (axis at ca. 100m) and some secondary sound channels caused by temperature inversions. The spatial patterns of these sound channels were associated with synoptic scale and mesoscale oceanic phenomena, which in turn were influenced by bathymetry. The temporal patterns were influenced by atmospheric forcing. It may be possible to use features seen in satellite IR imagery to deduce zones with shoaler thermocline depth. With data sampling appropriate to the scales of atmospheric and oceanic variability, a valuable synoptic scale analysis can be derived from XBTs collected under operational conditions. Recommendations for a regional approach to military oceanography and XBT sampling procedures are made. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111003
Entities
People
- Laurent Monsaingeon
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School