To Abstract List
The overall goal of my general research is to investigate the interactions of basin-scale oceanic currents with the boundary currents in the eastern regions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The time scales of interest are seasonal to interannual, while spatial scales range from large-scale (entire NE Pacific) to the finest scales resolvable with the satellite data. In these two systems, the circulation is driven by a combination of local surface forcing and impacts of basin-scale currents. The approach is to combine multiple satellite sensors with available in situ data collected in other programs to investigate the interaction of the two kinds of forcing. The approach also has a modeling component, comparing satellite analyses to existing OGCM products and applying regional models to clarify the dynamics of the observed circulation features, especially with regard to interactions between the deep ocean and continental shelves. Since I am not a modeler, the OGCM analysis activity has been done in collaboration with the modelers at the Naval Postgraduate School (Semtner, McClean, Tokmakian). The regional models are run by Ricardo Matano at OSU.
Satellite data used include AVHRR for SST, CZCS and future color sensors for surface pigment concentration estimates, altimeter data from Geosat, TOPEX and ERS sensors for circulation fields, and scatterometer data for wind stress (also atmospheric model products). Associations with past ONR initiatives in the California Current have been the primary source of in situ data. In the most recent initiative, we have been collecting AVHRR fields 3-4 time/day in regions of the California Current since 1992 and making them available to colleagues along the west coast.
I have also been involved over the past 5 years in planning efforts for future large-scale studies of the California and Peru-Chile Current Systems. There is some hope for initial efforts in the California Current starting in FY97. To promote research off South America, a meeting is planned in Valparaiso, Chile, at which oceanographers from the west coast of both North and South America will make specific plans and write proposals for comparative studies between the two systems. The ultimate goal of these studies is an understanding of the processes by which the circulation patterns and bio-physical interactions in the two systems cause interannual to interdecadal variability in the ecosystems and fisheries.
To Pacific Workshop
To WOCE Home Page