Measuring the AMOC and meridional ocean heat transport at 26.5N: Extension of the RAPID-MOCHA Array

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The project will continue the US contribution to the RAPID-MOCHA oceanographic mooring array at 26.5N in the Atlantic Ocean for an additional 18 months, bringing the length of data record to 17.5 years. This time series monitors the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and meridional heat transport in the Atlantic Ocean. The RAPID-MOCHA array has yielded results that have changed widely held views about the deep ocean circulation and movement of heat across the ocean basin. Continued monitoring of the ocean structure and currents will allow oceanographers to better determine the relevant dynamics that control heat transport and to improve representations of the ocean role in climate models.The AMOC is known to be an important component of the climate system and it is believed that better understanding of the ocean dynamics that control heat transport in the AMOC will lead to better fundamental understanding of the Earth?s climate system and improved climate prediction. The 18-month extension of the RAPID-MOCHA will allow for longer term planning and reconsideration of the mooring array configurations.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.