Studies of the Origins of the Kuroshio and Mindanao Currents with EM-APEX Floats and HPIES
Abstract
The long-term goal is improving observations and understanding of major oceanographic features and phenomena. We emphasize motionally induced electric fields for measuring ocean velocities. The primary objectives of this observational program are to quantify the origin of the Kuroshio and Mindanao currents at their origin and as they evolve downstream. The use of bottom-mounted horizontal electric field sensors combined with inverted echo sounder units complements the ADCP moorings in the Kuroshio near the NE tip of Luzon, the Philippines. The new instrument is denoted as HPIES, an abbreviation of Horizontal EF, Pressure and Inverted Echo Sounder. The HEF measures the barotropic horizontal velocity. The pressure and IES data determine baroclinic velocity when operated in a horizontal array. Three complete HPIES exist from the original NSF development support. Two new HPIES are built using existing PIES and new HEF units. Five HPIES were deployed around upper ocean ADCP moorings by Ren-Chieh Lien. The ADCP is moored at 600-m level and upward looking. The HPIES will provide the depth-averaged velocity. Thus, the combination provides both upper-ocean Kuroshio transport and total-water transport. The moorings and the HPIES are installed at NE of Luzon. The HPIES and ADCP array are centered at the Kuroshio stream . Nine EM-APEX float are deployed along of 135 E between 13 N and 22 N. Floats drift at a parking depth (~200m) that moves with the westward component of North Equatorial Current (NEC) but profile to 1,000 m to acquire velocity and density profiles. Field observation plan was presented at the ONR OKMC workshop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in April 2012.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA590632
Entities
People
- Thomas B. Sanford
Organizations
- University of Washington