Microstructure Profiles during Cearex
Abstract
The Coordinated Eastern Arctic Experiment (CEAREX) was a multi- platform geophysical study covering the period from winter 1988 to spring 1989 in the vicinity of the Yermak Plateau and Fram Strait. The Oceanography ('O') camp component of CEAREX was designed to study the physical oceanographic conditions from the deep Nansen Basin north of the Yermak Plateau, then into the shallower water over the Plateau. This area was known from previous experiments (Fram III, Ram IV, MIZEX '83) to be a very energetic region, in which much of the decay of the Atlantic Water flowing into the Arctic Basin occurs. The various programs at O Camp obtained data which will improve our understanding of the decay mechanisms, including the role of topographically enhanced diurnal tides, internal waves, and mixing by ice stress at the surface. Our component of this project was the direct measurement of microscale velocity shear, temperature and salinity, using the Rapid Sampling Vertical Profiler. These data are used to estimate (a) the rate at which turbulent kinetic energy is dissipated, (b) vertical eddy diffusivities, and (c) vertical fluxes of heat, salt, and momentum. More than 1500 profiles were obtained over a depth range of 0-350 m for the period March 30 to April 24, 1989, including 20 days of continuous operation (more than 1 profile per hour), from April 4 to April 24. The data show both the geographic variability associated with the topography, as well as rapid variations due to high frequency internal waves. Good data was obtained both in the surface layer (mixed by surface stress), and in the pycnocline (mixed by shear instabilities). The results confirm the importance of topographic effects on the decay of the Atlantic Water in this region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA252678
Entities
People
- Laurie Padman
- Thomas M. Dillon
Organizations
- Oregon State University