Quantification of the Interacting Physical, Biological, Optical and Chemical Properties of Thin Layers in the Sea
Abstract
Our long-term goal is to develop the capability to predict thin layer formation and presence in the coastal ocean. The central focus of our research is to investigate: the spatial and temporal scales of thin layers, the relationship between physical processes (from the microscale to the mesoscale) and thin layers, as well as the difference between layered structures in the nearshore and offshore environments. The overarching goal of our research is to ultimately determine how many physical variables are required to predict the occurrence of thin layers in the sea. In addition to this research, we also provided logistical support in the Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean (LOCO) Program, a Departmental Research Initiative (DRI) supported by ONR. We undertook a several weeklong field experiments in Monterey Bay in the summers of 2005 and 2006. There were 4 major components to this work: (1) deployment of moored instruments used to measure physical processes, (2) shipboard surveys using a small vessel (33 feet) to quantify the relationship between fine-scale and microscale physical processes and thin layers, and to assess how local patterns of current velocity relate to thin layers, (3) AUV surveys to quantify the relationship between mesoscale physical processes, thin layers, optical properties and nutrients, and (4) acrobat tow body surveys to quantify the relationship between mesoscale physical processes, thin layers and optical properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA505096
Entities
People
- John P. Ryan
- Margaret A. Mcmanus
- Mark T. Stacey
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa