Turbulence, Moored and Remote Sensing Measurement System to Quantify Nonlinear Transport Mechanisms in the Coastal Ocean
Abstract
Abstract This proposal seeks to acquire a new capability that builds on College strengths in coastal oceanography,diapycnal mixing, and nearshore remote sensing. It extends the measurement scope from the smallest scales of turbulence to the scales that dictate cross-shelf transports within the relatively-unexplored Inner Shelf of the coastal ocean. The key elements of this capability are: 1. X-band radar to obtain a broad and spatially continuous view of surface waves as well as episodic flow events via their surface expression; 2. in situ measurements of the internal structure and lateral transport of episodic flow events made with intensive moored arrays and a rapid sampling and adaptive shallow water, shipboard profiling system; 3. an 80-element suite of newly-developed speed/turbulence probes (GustT probes) to permit evaluation of the vertical transport (that is, the irreversible thermodynamic mixing) associated with such events. Taken together, these elements will allow a more complete depiction of the flow field within the inner shelf than has been previously possible. Looking forward, these elements will enhance the capabilities of the College in future coastal and open ocean experiments. System elements 1 and 2 integrate proven off-the-shelf (OTS) technologies. The PIs have a successful track record of using these instruments effectively. System element 3 builds on the extensive experience of the Ocean Mixing Group in developing new techniques to measure small-scale fluid dynamics in the ocean. As an integrated instrument package, the proposed GustT probe is new. However, all of the components from electronics to pressure case design through sensors have been independently proven. The proposed combination of these components into a small, lightweight, robust, low-power standalone probe can be simply mated to a variety of instrument packages. GustT offers the prospect for a conceptually new type of process experiment in which multiple, identical and inexpensive elements of a turbulence-measuring system are distributed throughout the experimental domain on all practical stationary or mobile vehicles. Data will be centrally analyzed, processed data returned to PIs, and the sum total of the data assessed in an experimental space/time synthesis of physical processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512870
Entities
People
- James N. Moum
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Oregon State University
- United States Navy