A Lagrangian Study of the Faroe Bank Channel Overflow

University Of Rhode Island, Kingston RI

Investigators

Abstract

This study will use a novel drifter design to follow water overflowing from the Norwegian Sea, into the main North Atlantic, through the Faroe Bank Channel. By using a tag-line, the drifter will remain a small distance above the bottom until the overflow water descends to a predetermined depth. A dozen drifters will be launched in the Faroe Bank Channel and tracked acoustically. The path data and depth data will provide information about the overflow water's speed through the Faroe Bank Channel, the way in which the dense overflow water descends into the North Atlantic after it crosses the sill in the channel, and the way it circulates in the deep Iceland Basin. Temperature and pressure data recorded by the float will provide information about the rate of mixing between the overflow water and the surrounding water.