LIDAR Studies of Small-Scale Lateral Dispersion in the Ocean
Abstract
Our long-term goal is to better understand lateral mixing processes on scales of 0.1-10 km in the ocean. This includes the underlying mechanisms and forcing as well as the temporal, spatial, and scale variability of such mixing. The goal of the present work is to directly observe the processes governing lateral stirring at these scales via high-resolution dye release experiments using airborne LIDAR in the seasonal pycnocline and upper ocean. The broad impacts of this research range from a better understanding of ocean ecosystems and ocean health to improved parameterizations in numerical models. This annual report marks the end of year 1 of a 5-year study as part of the "Scalable Lateral Mixing and Coherent Turbulence" DRI. The vertical and horizontal dispersion and advection of dye release experiments will be monitored on spatial scales of meters to several kilometers in the horizontal, 1-10 meters in the vertical, and on time scales of minutes to hours, up to 4 days. Sampling of the dye will be performed using airborne LIDAR as well as in situ sensors lowered and towed from a ship. Additional measurements of optical characteristics, hydrography, currents, and internal wave characteristics will be used to identify the particular driving mechanisms of the observed dispersion. The dye experiments will be coordinated with Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and microstructure measurements by other investigators to discern the forcing mechanisms responsible for the dispersion. The dye experiments also will be guided by numerical modeling process studies by other investigators under the DRI, and will provide data for testing such models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA527052
Entities
People
- Eugene A. Terray
- James R. Ledwell
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution