IOMEDEX Sound Velocity Analysis and Environmental Data Summary
Abstract
During the Ionian Mediterranean Exercise (IOMEDEX) in November 1971, a total of 581 oceanographic observations were collected in the Ionian Basin of the Mediterranean Sea along with continuous bathymetric and weather observations. Two taut-line current measuring arrays were implanted in the northern and central Ionian Sea. Most oceanographic data were collected with expendable bathythermographs (XBTs) and converted into sound velocity profiles. Sea surface temperatures and mixed layer depth patterns are defined before and after a large storm on 19-23 November. Basic temporal changes in sound velocity structure are defined at three points in the Ionian Sea, and spatial changes in sound velocity are defined along several specific tracks. The deep sound channel (DSC) axis varied between 90 and 300 m (average of about 150 m) with sound velocities between about 1512 and 1518 m/sec. High-salinity Levantine Intermediate Water was the primary oceanographic influence on DSC structure and on secondary sound channels found below DSC axis. Critical depth decreased during IOMEDEX as a result of autumnal cooling. The Maltese Front was detected in the central Ionian Sea, but could not be defined accurately owing to the lack of synoptic sea surface temperature data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADC000419
Entities
People
- Benjamin A. Watrous
- Don F. Fenner
- Kenneth W. Lackie
- Louis A. Banchero
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office