Development of Autonomous Lagrangian Circulation Explorers for the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE)

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Autonomous Lagrangian Circulation Explorers (ALACEs) are current-following subsurface floats which periodically rise to the surface to be located by the Argos satellite system and then return to depth to continue following currents. They are intended to be used in mapping the oceanic general circulation and will be of particular value in the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE). It is proposed to develop and demonstrate an operational capability to use these presently developmental floats. Proposed engineering are (a) extending operational depth improvements from 1500 m to 4000 m, (b) expansion of data relay capacity to permit satellite relay of profile data on each ascent, and (c) addition of RAFOS acoustic tracking. Proposed field operations include (a) series of local tests of longevity, (b) demonstration of a capability to lauch from commerical ships of opportunity, and (c) a deployment of 25 ALACEs in the tropical Atlantic in which floats will be used to describe cross-equatorial flow of Antarctic Intermediate Water. As a step toward WOCE operations, investigator will be invited to suggest other programs to use the ALACE capability developed at Scripps.