Atmosphere/Ocean Boundary Layer Observations from Surface Drifters in the Arabian Sea
Abstract
Previous ONR research initiatives in the Indian ocean (ASIRI [Wijesekera et al., 2016], NASCar [L R Centurioni et al., 2017], MISO-BoB [Shroyer et al., 2021]) and WOCE, ONR/JGOFS surveys in the area [Sengupta et al., 2008] addressed the challenge of understandingthe ocean#s role in monsoon intra-seasonal oscillations (ISO) and of quantifying and understanding air-sea fluxes, the dynamics of the oceanic response to local atmospheric forcing, and the coupling of vertical and lateral ocean processes in formation of the surface boundary layer and circulation. These coupled-modeling and observational studies were accomplished primarily using autonomous instruments, specifically arrays and targeted deployments of drifters, as well as targeted profiling floats and glider transects. Large drifter deployments performed by this PI were accomplished with fundamental help from regional partners in the Mauritus Meterological Service, Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, and Kenya. The Arabian Sea Transition Layer (ASTraL): Exchange across the Air-Sea InterfaceDRI, seeks to further investigate the dynamics within the coupled air-wave-ocean boundary layers in order to improve coupling models and correcting SST biases that presently exist. The goals of this study require a spatially extensive (as opposed to an intensivepoint measurement system) network of observations within each boundary layer # atmospheric, wave, and ocean. We propose a cost effective network of MiniMet, wave (DWSD) drifters, Micro SVP drifters and SVP drifters that can provide targeted, spatial coverage, ofthe areas of interest. Not only does this network provide spatial coverage, but it will be anchored in a Lagrangian sense with thearea of interest (such as the mini warm pool), measuring the dynamically relevant variables i.e. the boundary layers properties, and the collapse/strengthening of the SST features. This observational network measures, wind, relative humidity, SST, Sea Level Pressure (SLB), the currents in the upper 80 m, the surface circulation (submesoscale and mesoscale) and surface salinity. The LR systemcan provide more intensive depth dependent variables in a targeted way # where the larger system indicates where more vertical datais needed. This extensive data set can help provide the framework for evaluating coupling and exchange algorithms, such as COARE 4.0 [Edson et al., 2013; Fairall et al., 2003], and evaluating model performance. Approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412274
Entities
People
- Luca Centurioni
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego