Finescale Structure and Dynamics of the Gulf Stream

虽然墨西哥湾流对全球气候系统的重要性早已得到承认，但解决其变化和动力学的地下观测是有限的。了解当前气候下的墨西哥湾流的动态是关键的第一步，这项研究将大大有助于推进墨西哥湾流的精细尺度结构，动态和稳定性的知识，并可能揭示西部边界流在其他流域。对墨西哥湾流地下结构和变化的估计将作为建模工作的目标。该方案的观测结果将以接近实时的方式提供，用于已显示影响的业务数值模型。在该计划期间收集的墨西哥湾流内的并行生物和物理测量可能会导致跨学科研究的机会。外联和教育活动将包括参与伍兹霍尔海洋研究所的既定本科生暑期课程，通过马萨诸塞州理工学院-伍兹霍尔海洋研究所联合计划将新发现纳入研究生教学，并在公共活动中展示研究和水下滑翔机。该项目将培训和支持一名研究生。 在一项为期一年的成功试点研究的基础上，该项目将使用自主水下滑翔机收集为期两年的佛罗里达南部和新英格兰之间墨西哥湾流内的温度、盐度、海流和生物指标的高分辨率测量结果。在现场项目结束时，一组前所未有的约150个跨墨西哥湾流断面，通过上1000米，为期三年，将提供一个独特的机会，研究墨西哥湾流的细尺度结构和动态。该项目将侧重于：（1）墨西哥湾流结构的季节性和顺流变化，包括位涡和对稳定性的影响;（2）墨西哥湾流流过哈特拉斯角上游大陆边时形成的大幅内波和厚底混合层;（3）利用沿等密度线的温度、盐度和位涡作为被动示踪物，定量水平搅拌的影响。 这项研究将促进未来的理论和分析进展，了解西部边界流及其在地球气候系统中的作用。

While the significance of the Gulf Stream to the global climate system has long been recognized, subsurface observations that resolve its variability and dynamics are limited. Understanding the dynamics of the Gulf Stream under the current climate is a critical first step, and this study will contribute significantly to advancing knowledge of the fine scale structure, dynamics, and stability of the Gulf Stream and may shed light on western boundary currents in other basins. Estimates of subsurface Gulf Stream structure and variability will serve as targets for modeling efforts. Observations from this program will be made available in near-real time for use in operational numerical models where they have demonstrated impacts. Concurrent biological and physical measurements within the Gulf Stream collected during this program are likely to lead to opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. Outreach and education activities will include involvement with established undergraduate summer programs at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, inclusion of new findings in graduate instruction through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program, and showcasing of the research and underwater gliders at public events. The project will train and support one graduate student. Building on a successful 1-year pilot study, this project will use autonomous underwater gliders to collect high-resolution measurements of temperature, salinity, currents, and biological indicators within the Gulf Stream between southern Florida and New England for two years. At the conclusion of the field program, an unprecedented set of approximately 150 cross-Gulf Stream transects through the upper 1000 m over a three-year period will offer a unique opportunity to examine the fine scale structure and dynamics of the Gulf Stream. This project will focus on 1) seasonal and along-stream variability in Gulf Stream structure, including potential vorticity and implications for stability; 2) large-amplitude internal waves and thick bottom mixed layers that are formed when the Gulf Stream flows over the continental margin upstream of Cape Hatteras; and 3) quantifying the effects of horizontal stirring using along-isopycnal temperature, salinity, and potential vorticity as passive tracers. This research will stimulate future theoretical and analytical advances in the understanding of western boundary currents and their role in the Earth's climate system.