United States Naval Research Laboratory
Bio-Optical/Physical Processes and Remote Sensing Section
Understanding and Forecasting Nonhydrostatic Dynamics in the Ocean
Research Focus:The structure and dynamics of submesoscale (< 10 km) phenomena are important for naval operations. Dynamics at these scales are dominated by nonhydrostatic physics. Features at the se scales are tactically important. They determine the ability to locate objects in the water and on the bottom. They affect the use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV's), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV's), other small craft and d ivers. These phenomena are also important to the circulation, mixing and biology of the coastal ocean. Cross shope mixing and transport are dominated by NonLinear Internal Waves (NLIWs) and submesoscale dynamics. These can only be modele d using nonhydrostatic physics. NLIWs and submesoscale dynamics also significantly impact the concentrations and locations of zooplankton, phytoplankton, and nutrients. They are a major factor in the transport and spreading of pollutants and spills. Research is being conducted in the following areas:
South China Sea - Luzon Straits, Generation and Interaction of NLIWs (ONR IWISE DRI)
South China Sea - Dongsha Plateau and Slope, Interaction and Fission of NLIWs (ONR NLIWI DRI)
Mid-Atlantic Bight - Shallow Water 2006 (SW2006) Hindcasts (MOF NRL base project)