Glider-Based Observations of Kuroshio Seasonal Variability and Loop-Current Intrusion into the South China Sea

Abstract

LONG-TERM GOALS: Two long-term goals, one technical and one scientific motivate this project. The technical goal is to advance techniques of observing the upper ocean, in this case proving the utility of underwater gliders. The scientific goal is to understand the effects of mesoscale processes on larger scales such as the general circulation, and on smaller scales such as internal waves. OBJECTIVES: The primary technical objective is to demonstrate the use of a glider fleet in sampling a strong boundary current where the flow is often stronger than the glider can overcome. The general scientific objective is to quantify the spatial structure and temporal evolution of the southern reaches of the Kuroshio. We plan to characterize the annual cycle of the Kuroshio and its associated mesoscale field. A next objective is to observe and quantify intrusions of the Kuroshio through the Luzon Strait. These mesoscale observations then provide the background on which strong nonlinear internal waves propagate.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA527075

Entities

People

  • Daniel L. Rudnick

Organizations

  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundaries
  • Information Operations
  • Internal Waves
  • Intervals
  • Intrusion
  • Landforms
  • Navigation
  • Observation
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceans
  • Personal Information Managers
  • Salinity
  • South China Sea
  • Teamwork
  • Underwater Gliders
  • Water
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy