Rapid Autonomous Profiling of Mixed Layer Dynamics in the Northern Arabian Sea

Abstract

Abstract The dynamics of the surface mixed layer in the Northern Arabian Sea (NAS) impact wind and precipitation patterns and thus in uence regional monsoon variability. We propose to explore the upper ocean variability in the NAS using expendable, drifting Wirewalker pro lers. Data from the pro lers will be used to examine the evolution of the surface mixed layer (ML) and mixed layer depth under a variety of forcing conditions across timescales from minutes to months. These observations have the advantage of being collected in a frame of reference minimally in uenced by advection, and thus will provide a unique opportunity to improve mixed layer parameterizations in the NAS. The coupled ocean/atmosphere interactions that control monsoon intensity and monsoonal Intra-Seasonal Oscillations are of operational relevance to the Navy. Finally, the development outlined in this proposal represents a major step towards a highly capable yet inexpensive and widely utilized upper-ocean observing platform.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141512567

Entities

People

  • Andrew J. Lucas

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers