Moored measurements of lee waves at West Mariana Ridge

Abstract

ABSTRACT Low frequency flows encountering rough topography lose both momentum and energy to a variety of poorly understood small-scale dynamical processes, including quasi-linear and strongly non-linear (hydraulic) internal lee wave generation. We propose to use two turbulencemeasuring moored profilers to better understand these processes as the North Equatorial Current and westward-propagating eddies impinge on the west Mariana Ridge. In a companion proposal we propose complementary towed ADCP/CTD measurements. The measurements will 1) characterize the near-ridge flows and their turbulence on timescales of hours to months, 2) improve parameterizations of drag and mixing (and therefore model representation) of eddies and currents over topography, and 3) support nearby studies with complementary scientific foci.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141512592

Entities

People

  • Matthew H. Alford

Organizations

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

Tags

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Oceanography.