Satellite Observations in FRONTS 80,
Abstract
Early observations in the Central North Pacific indicate a general decrease in temperature and salinity as one moves northward from the equator. The change is not a smooth function of latitude, but rather, superimposed on a steady poleward decrease of temperature and salinity are regions of abrupt change called fronts (Seckel, 1968; Roden 1972). The general strength and location of the mid-ocean fronts are well-known. Near 45 deg. N latitude is the Pacific Subarctic Front. It separates the Pacific Subarctic water mass from the North Pacific Central water mass and is characterized by a change of 4 C per 30km and 0.6% per 30km across the front. In the vicinity of 32 deg. N is the Pacific Subtropical Front. It separates the North Pacific Central water mass from the Pacific Equatorial water mass and is characterized by a change of 2 deg. C per 30km and 0.25% per 30km across the front (Roden, 1975). A schematic map of the Central North Pacific Fronts is shown. Although the general location and strength of the mid-ocean fronts are well documented, little is known about variability associated with frontal strength and position. In December 1979 a large observational program (FRONTS 80) was undertaken to obtain basic scale information on a mid-ocean front. The North Pacific Subtropical Front, near 31 deg. N, 153 deg. W was chosen as the experiment site because of its logistical proximity to the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, and because extensive historical data exists for this region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111080
Entities
People
- Michael L. Van Woert
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography