Drifter studies of the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea
Abstract
energetic current systems. Most of these ocean currents are not well represented in numerical models and are under-sampled by the global ocean observing systems, particularly near abrupt topography. Therefore, there is a pressing need for observations to improve our understanding of how these currents interact with each other and to validate numerical models. We propose to design a Lagrangian study that will deploy 160 Surface Velocity Program (SVP) drifters over three years to improve understanding and predictions of the circulation in the FLEAT region over the west Mariana Ridge. This effort will specifically address the following main science questions: - What does the existing drifter dataset reveal about interactions of the large-scale currents with regional topography? - What is the effect of the meridionally sheared westward North Equatorial Current (NEC) and eastward North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC) on the generation of mesoscale eddies? - Can the island rule provide a plausible explanation for observations of currents near abrupt topography or are local forcing mechanisms providing a dynamically sound explanation? The proposed observations are intended toward meeting the Navy need of improved datasets on ocean circulation in the FLEAT region, a strategically important littoral area of PACFLEET operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512286
Entities
People
- Luca Centurioni
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego