Ocean Dynamics: Dynamo
Abstract
The long-term goal is to gain a more complete understanding of ocean dynamical processes, particularly at fine-scale, through comparison of high, mid- and low-latitude observations, near the sea surface, in the main thermocline, and near the sea floor. The objective is to identify the phenomena involved in the cascade of energy from meso-scales to turbulent scales. In particular, we wish to quantify the relationship between fine-scale background conditions and the occurrence of microscale breaking. Progress is achieved through a steady-state cycle of instrument development, field observation and data analysis. The primary instruments employed include Doppler sonar and rapidly-profiling CTD's. Our instruments produce information that is quasi-continuous in space and time, typically spanning two decades in the wavenumber domain. This broad band space-time coverage enables the investigation of multi-scale interactions. Our major accomplishment has been the execution of the Dynamo Leg IV Experiment in December 2011. Our objective was to document the development of the diurnal surface layer and its relationship to the deeper salinity barrier layer and the internal wavefield on the thermocline below. The approach was to deploy a 3.5 km horizontal Snake array (Fig.1), consisting of 5 Macro Wirewalker profiling floats (Fig 2) that cycled to 200 m, and 5 mini Wirewalkers that profiled to 20 m.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA574094
Entities
People
- Robert Pinkel
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography