Upper ocean response to atmospheric events in the Nordic Seas
Abstract
Intense atmospheric phenomena such as polar lows and cold air outbreaks occur throughout the Nordic Seas (a common name for the Norw,egian, Iceland and Greenland Seas). We aim to investigate the physics of rapid dynamical and thermodynamic changes in the upper ocea,n in response to strong wind and surface buoyancy forcing, with focus on the short-term (day-to-day or less) and long-term (month-to,-month) evolution of the mixed layer during winter. We will utilize ocean gliders for data collection. The gliders are part of a Nor,wegian national infrastructure program led by University of Bergen (Ilker Fer). While the infrastructure program is funded for instr,uments, operations and collecting observations, the program has no funding for research. Through the present proposal, we achieve sy,nergy with the newly available glider observation capability to conduct research on upper-ocean processes. Funding is primarily soug,ht for the scientific analysis of the glider data that will be collected. In addition, we will utilize a glider equipped with micro,structure sensors to conduct targeted experiments in the frontal regions in Fram Strait and over the Mohn Ridge. All data will be ma,de available open access.The ONR call NORSE identifies the Nordic Seas as the primary field effort region. Our program will contri,bute with unique glider observations in the Nordic Seas using existing and funded infrastructure. Our analyses will help characteriz,e the key physical parameters and processes that govern the acoustical changes to the surface layer subject to strong forcing and th,e predictability of upper-ocean rapid evolution events occurring in the ice-free high latitudes. We expect to deliver peer-reviewed,research papers on the impact of severe atmospheric events on the mixed layer development in the Nordic Seas, on the water mass tran,sformation along the Nordic Seas perimeter, and on links and feedbacks between submesoscale dynamics and turbulent mixing in the upp,er ocean.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2022
- Source ID
- N629092212023
Entities
People
- Ilker Fer
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Bergen