Measurements of Gulf Stream Transport with a Towed Transport Meter (TTM2) on R/V Oceanus Cruise 216
Abstract
Measurements of oceanic velocities were made with towed transport meter (TTM2) during R/V Oceanus cruise 216 from 30 November to 13 December 1989 to observe surface and subsurface flows under GEOSAT tracks between the continental United States and Bermuda. TTM2, a single-axis version of the TTM electromagnetic sensor package, determines the motionally induced electric field parallel to the ship's heading. The electric field is denoted as F(sub 2) nu - nu (-) where F(sub 2) is the vertical component of the earth's magnetic field, nu is the surface velocity component of the ocean normal to the ship's heading, and nu (-) is the conductivity-weighted, vertically averaged velocity component normal to the ship's heading. The electric field measurement is combined with vessel motion determined form LORAN-C to obtain nu (-). Corrections were made for electrical conductivity factors and vessel windage effects to yield continuous determination of the component nu (-) normal to the vessel's track. The estimates of nu (-) were multiplied by water depth and integrated along the track to determine the volume transport distribution between the U.S. and Bermuda. The TTM2 instrument system, its usage on Oceanus cruise 216, and preliminary results are discussed. A transport of 60 Sv was observed across the Gulf Stream offshore of Cape Hatteras to Bermuda in a large cold-core eddy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA474720
Entities
People
- John H. Dunlap
- Maureen A. Kennelly
- Robert G. Drever
- Thomas B. Sanford
Organizations
- University of Washington