Coordinated Surveys of Frontal Features using Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Gliders
Abstract
Submesoscale frontal features in the ocean are ubiquitous, but poorly understood in terms of their ageostrophic cross-frontal circu""lation, associated dynamics and the evolution of frontal structures. A primary hindrance to our understanding is the ability to obse""rve fronts on the time and length scales necessary to resolve the evolving temperature, salinity and velocity fields. We propose to" deploy multiple UUV gliders in support of a focused field experiment to study the processes that create intense submesoscale structures and determine the dynamics that drive vigorous cross-frontal circulations. We will coordinate sampling with ship-based and other UUV-based sampling platforms. The observations made from coordinated ship-based and UUV-based platforms willcharacterize the subm"esoscale temperature, salinity and velocity fields. The observations will contribute to a detailed characterization of submesoscale" processes and their associated dynamics. The highly resolved observations will permit the diagnosis of secondary circulation at the" front.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 07, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712703
Entities
People
- R. Kipp Shearman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Oregon State University
- United States Navy