Ocean Dynamics: IWISE DRI
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 participation in the Summer 2011 IWISE cruise to Luzon Strait on the RV Revelle. We focused on the development of deep-ocean turbulence in an outflow channel in Luzon Strait, (Fig 1a, b) where numerical simulations suggested energetic turbulence would be present. We employed the MPL-SIO Fast CTD (Fig 1b) to study the phenomenon, along with the HDSS sonars on the Revelle. The systems performed well for the duration of the experiment. Over 800 CTD profiles were collected, to depths as great as 1900m.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA590448
Entities
People
- Robert Pinkel
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography