MESOSCALE OCEANIC VARIABILITY EXPERIMENT (MOVE)

Shay et al.

SCIENTIFIC GOAL:

To observe and understand the role of mesoscale oceanic processes on littoral, submesoscale oceanic processes that impact the biology, chemistry and acoustical properties subjected to tidal currents, western boundary currents, topographical changes and surface winds.

LITTORAL ZONE

Complex Coastal Processes. 2-D/ 3-D Flow Fields. Boundary Current & Topography. Waves & Boundary Layer Winds. Impact: Civilian and US Navy Needs. Radar/AUV/Mooring/Ship-based

Approach. Applicable to Any Theater.

HYPOTHESISTESTING:

Mesoscale Variability In Current Structure Plays a Pronounced Role on Submesoscale Dynamics (Including Biology, Chemistry, and Acoustics) and Air-Sea Interaction Processes For Synoptic and Climate Scale Phenomena.

Ocean Explorer AUV

HIgh Frequency Phased Array Radar: HIFAR

Phased Array (16/32 Elements.) Electronic Beam Forming. 1500 Cells (750 m-2 km resolution). Multiple Frequencies (4-30 MHz) 10-15 Minute Sample Cycle. Theoretical Limit 60-100 km Spectra, Current, and Current Shear.

ENGINEERINGOBJECTIVES:

Design/Implement Multiple ADCPs with Long-Range Capability of AUV Payload.

Design and Implement Long-Term Monitoring System of Surface Circulation Using a 3-Station HiFAR (100 km scales)

Map Currents and Current Shears To Oceanic/Atmospheric Forcing Events.

Evaluate Ship Signatures in Radar-Derived Fields.

SCIENCE OBJECTIVES:

Subsurface Structure (AUV, Moorings, Ships, Drifters).

Coherent Structures (Vortices, Fronts). Isolate Forcing of IWs At Shelf Break. Divergence/Vorticity Fields Associated

with Mesoscale Variability (FC). Assess Boundary Layer Processes

Experimental Domain

EXPERIMENTALDESIGN

VHF Mode of OSCR (250 m Cell Spacing Embedded In HIFAR).

Ship CTD/ADCP and Microstructure AUV (Short/Long Range). ASIS Surface Mooring NOVA/USF Moorings. NAVY ADCPs. Cyclesondes.

Sub-Mesoscale Vortex

Vortex Propagation

Surface Current Regimes

Strong Florida Current Lobe Structure

Mooring Comparison

LONG-TERM MONITORING

RELEVANCE:

To assess long-term variability of the Florida Current and its influence on Coastal Circulation and Atmospheric Weather Patterns/Events.

Important to Civilian Needs (Ship Traffic; Pollutant Dispersion; Renourishment.)

Important to Navy (Ship/Radar Signatures; Acoustics;Internal Waves)

SFTF APPLICATIONS

US Navy Coastal Surveys. METOC (JTFX) Operations/FBE. Ship-based Operations In Differing

Venues/Theaters. Coupling With Models (i.e. LES). Provides Environmental Data To

Assess Impact on Fleet Operations.

FUTURE RESEARCH

Long-Term Monitoring of Florida Current Using HiFAR (100 km range).

Develop Long-Range AUVs (24-48 hr). Surface/Subsurface Moorings (Cross-

Shelf) Ship-Based Observations (Cross-Shelf) Drifter-Based Deployments Modeling/Assimilation

SUMMARY

Synergistic Approach: Synoptic Variability.

Fine-Scale to Submesoscale Processes. 2-D/3-D Variability not Mean. Real Time: JTFX (Ships,Aircraft,AUV). Improve Predictive Capability At Navy

Centers. Train Next-Generation Students.