Profiling Float Observations of the Northern Ocean Rapid Surface Evolution
Abstract
The upper ocean evolves rapidly under strong atmospheric forcing, with its evolution controlled by a variety of factors; stratificat ion, wind stress, surface waves, buoyancy fluxes, and mixing dynamics. Improved understanding of these physics will ultimately lead to improvements in ocean modeling and predictability through improved parameterization of small-scale processes, most importantly m ixing. High-temporal resolution observations of the upper ocean are required to resolve the rapid evolution of the upper ocean duri ng strong forcing events. The persistent autonomous observations proposed here will directly address this problem by utilizing prof iling floats to rapidly sample the upper ocean temperature, salinity structure as well as the small-scale mixing through microstruct ure sensors.This proposal seeks to measure the rapid response of the upper ocean during strong forcing events using profiling floats equipped with microstructure sensors to directly observe turbulence. The outcome of this work will be an improved understanding of the mixing processes that drive rapid changes in the upper ocean.Approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 07, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112738
Entities
People
- Steven R. Jayne
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution