Diffusion Studies in Guiana Abyssal Water Masses using Velocity Finestructure Measurements and Float Trajectories

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Duda 9986700 Funds are provided to deploy 8 isobaric Shearmeter floats in the Guiana Basin and track these for 10 months. The floats will measure the velocity shear and temperature difference across the height of the floats, 10 m, as well as the mean temperature and pressure at the depth of the float. This information will be used to infer the time variability of diapycnal mixing at the depth of the floats. The floats will be deployed on 3 pressure surfaces (4000 db, 3500 db, and 3000 db) over rough topography and at the two deeper levels over smooth topography. The aim of the study is to improve understanding of diapycnal mixing under varying environmental conditions. The project will collaborate with the Guiana Abyssal Gyre Experiment (GAGE) and the Meridional Overturning Experiment (MOVE).