Accession Number:

ADA505096

Title:

Quantification of the Interacting Physical, Biological, Optical and Chemical Properties of Thin Layers in the Sea

Descriptive Note:

Research rept.

Corporate Author:

HAWAII UNIV AT MANOA HONOLULU DEPT OF OCEANOGRAPHY

Report Date:

2008-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

Our long-term goal is to develop the capability to predict thin layer formation and presence in the coastal ocean. The central focus of our research is to investigate the spatial and temporal scales of thin layers, the relationship between physical processes from the microscale to the mesoscale and thin layers, as well as the difference between layered structures in the nearshore and offshore environments. The overarching goal of our research is to ultimately determine how many physical variables are required to predict the occurrence of thin layers in the sea. In addition to this research, we also provided logistical support in the Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean LOCO Program, a Departmental Research Initiative DRI supported by ONR. We undertook a several weeklong field experiments in Monterey Bay in the summers of 2005 and 2006. There were 4 major components to this work 1 deployment of moored instruments used to measure physical processes, 2 shipboard surveys using a small vessel 33 feet to quantify the relationship between fine-scale and microscale physical processes and thin layers, and to assess how local patterns of current velocity relate to thin layers, 3 AUV surveys to quantify the relationship between mesoscale physical processes, thin layers, optical properties and nutrients, and 4 acrobat tow body surveys to quantify the relationship between mesoscale physical processes, thin layers and optical properties.

Subject Categories:

  • Biological Oceanography
  • Physical and Dynamic Oceanography
  • Miscellaneous Detection and Detectors
  • Marine Engineering
  • Military Forces and Organizations
  • Naval Surface Warfare
  • Undersea and Antisubmarine Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE