Acoustic Velocity Profiling in SYNOP.
Abstract
The observational program in SYNOP consisted of three primary moored instrument arrays deployed in the Gulf Stream between Cape Hatteras and 55 deg W, complemented by regional and process-oriented studies using acoustically tracked floats and shipboard observations. One of the moored arrays, called the SYNOP 'Central' Array, consisted of 13 tall current meter moorings and 24 inverted echo sounders (IESs) located within a 30 deg x 30 deg area centered near 37.5 deg N, 68.5 deg W. This location is just upstream of the surface eddy kinetic energy maximum in the Gulf Stream system, but in a region where large meanders continue to amplify rapidly and where frequent interactions between the Gulf Stream and adjacent warm and cold-core rings occur. The principal objectives of this array were (1) to document the structure, transport, and variability of the Gulf Stream at this location, (2) to map the evolution of the current and density fields at sufficient horizontal resolution to carry out meaningful diagnostic studies of mesoscale momentum and vorticity balances, and (3) to collect long enough in-situ records to obtain robust statistics on eddy-mean flow energy transfers related to nonlinear Gulf Stream instability mechanisms. ONR Contract N00014-89-J1139, 'Acoustic Velocity Profiling in SYNOP', supported the development of upward looking Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) within the SYNOP Central Array to obtain long time series of the upper ocean currents, and subsequent analysis of the data. Technical results from the program regarding the use of upward-looking ADCPs to sample strong near-surface flows were very encouraging.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 26, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306621
Entities
People
- William E. Johns
Organizations
- University of Miami