Autonomous Observations to Constrain Ocean Variability near Atlantis II Seamount
Abstract
As a contribution to the Task Force Ocean (TFO) DRI, the research proposed here seeks to advance our understanding of how the upperocean evolves as a strong current (the Gulf Stream) impinges upon topography (the Atlantis II seamount). Autonomous underwater gliders will collect high-resolution surveys in and near the 100 x 100-km region of focus, where a variety of processes contribute to rich, multi-scale variability. Variables to be measured by Spray gliders include temperature, salinity, density, absolute velocity, chlorophyll fluorescence, and 1-MHz acoustic backscatter. These observations will be analyzed in conjunction with other observations collected as part of the TFO DRI toward the overall goal of developing a covariance matrix that captures the temporal and spatial relationships between physical, acoustic, and biological parameters. Observations will be made available in both near-real time and delayed mode for incorporation into operational and hindcast numerical simulations, respectively, and their impact on constraining the models representation of the regional circulation will be evaluated. The project will support training of a graduate student through the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography and Applied Ocean Sciences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112294
Entities
People
- Robert E. Todd
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution