Generation and Evolution of Near-Inertial Waves in a Strongly Heterogeneous Upper Ocean- Investigations using Autonomous Gliders and a High-Resolution Towed Profiler
Abstract
Near???inertial internal waves are generated by the wind in many places and times across the ocean. While they are an important component of the global energy balance of oceanic circulation, it is still unclear how inertial waves propagate through and interact with otheroceanic dynamical structures. We propose long???term observations from autonomousSeagliders to provide a between understanding of the mechanisms that govern the nearinertialresponse to wind forcing, with a specific focus on how do meso??? and submesoscale variability impact generation and propagation of near???inertial internal waves. We seek to better understand what determines the partition between generation of high???wavenumber near???inertial internal waves, which drive local mixing, and low???wavenumber waves, which propagate away from generation sites. To complement the glider observations, which will provide long time series of the rapidly???varying inertial waves, we also propose a dedicated process cruise focused on resolving the interplay between near inertial motions and underlying regions of strong lateral variability, such as fronts and eddies. We propose using a towed, undulating profiler to conduct synoptic, 4???D surveys of select mesoscale and submesoscale features and of internal waves, complemented by gliders acting as virtual moorings to resolve near???inertial internal waves at key locations within the background field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812780
Entities
People
- Craig Lee
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Washington