SGER: A Winched Profiler for Upper Ocean Measurements in Multiple Oceanic Environments

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual Merit: Upper ocean processes are important to capture for many oceanographic applications. However, most moorings do not extend to the sea surface for practical reasons (heavy ship traffic, fishing, sea-ice and surface wave activities). In this project, a WHOI scientist will be able to participate in an upcoming (summer 2006) research cruise, to place a winched profiler in Hudson Strait. This region has floating sea-ice during the winter months and has swift currents, making it a risky environment for upper-ocean moored measurements. The upper ocean in this Strait is also the location of an important (surface-trapped) freshwater flux to the North Atlantic and therefore the measurements are important for understanding the climate system. Broader Impacts: Once tested, this instrument will be useful in all fields of oceanography by adding sensors to the profiler. In addition, the project will collect data from a climate-sensitive region that has previously not been measured.