Analysis of the Vema Fracture Zone Exploratory Measurements [VEX] Datasets

0424076智力成果：本项目将分析在2001-2003年进行的Vema断裂带勘探（VEX）测量项目现场阶段收集的观测结果。韦马断裂带（VFZ）是一条穿过中大西洋海脊的深海通道，位于北纬11度附近，连接圭亚那和冈比亚盆地，并允许南极底层水（AABW）和北大西洋深层水（NADW）向东流动。VEX测量的目的是确定VFZ中水流的强度和结构、向VFZ输送沃茨的源路径以及断裂带内垂直混合的强度。 在该项目的实地阶段，对95个水文站进行了取样，并部署了6个系泊设备，共计18个海流计和3个系泊剖面仪。 完成对VEX数据的分析和综合后，将大大改善通过连接两个北大西洋深海盆地的低纬度断裂带的深海水流的情况。这将促进我们的理解的深层成分的纬向翻转环流，特别是通过认识到，大部分的总diapycnal流发生在断裂带和陡峭的地形的限制区域。VFZ流的描述也将有助于验证在大规模数值模拟中通过狭窄通道的流的表示。 更广泛的影响：在VEX期间首次部署的系泊剖面仪是测试和开发阶段之外的新型仪器，用于分析流速，温度，盐度和压力。演示的实用程序的同时时间序列的速度和CTD的配置文件，以改善估计的运输和混合将有利于未来的停泊剖面部署。VEX数据分析是GAGE/VEX联合程序的一个组成部分。所要求的资金将使一名年轻科学家有机会提高其利用各种仪器来源的数据分析海洋学过程的技能。

0424076Intellectual Merit: This project will analyze observations collected during the field phase of the Vema Fracture Zone Exploratory (VEX) Measurement program carried out in 2001-2003. The Vema Fracture Zone (VFZ) is an abyssal passage through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 11 degrees N, connecting the Guiana and Gambia Basins and permitting eastward flow of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW). The VEX measurements were directed towards determination of the intensity and structure of the flow in the VFZ, the source pathways delivering waters to the VFZ, and the strength of the vertical mixing within the fracture zone. In the field phase of the project, 95 hydrographic stations were sampled and six moorings with a total of 18 current meters and three moored profilers were deployed. The completed analysis and synthesis of the VEX data will provide a greatly improved picture of the abyssal flow through a low-latitude fracture zone linking two of the North Atlantic abyssal basins. This will advance our understanding of the deep component of the meridional overturning circulation, particularly through the recognition that much of the total diapycnal flow occurs in the restricted areas of fracture zones and steep topography. The description of the VFZ flow will also aid in validating the representation of flow through narrow passages in large-scale numerical simulations. Broader Impacts: The moored profilers deployed during VEX for the first time outside their test and developmental phase, are novel instruments profiling current velocities, temperature, salinity, and pressure. Demonstrating the utility of simultaneous time series of velocity and CTD profiles for improved estimation of transports and mixing will benefit future moored profiler deployments. The analysis of the VEX data forms one component of the joint GAGE/VEX program. The funds requested will provide the opportunity for a young scientist to advance her skills in analyzing oceanographic processes using data from a variety of instrument sources.