Towed-Chain Measurements of Ocean Microstructure

Abstract

Johns Hopkins Univ., Appl. Phys. Lab., Johns Hopkins Rd., Laurel, MD 20707, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) Towed-chain measurements of conductivity microstructure in the Sargasso Sea are reported for a 15-m aperture of high-frequency conductivity sensors and thermistors. Since the conductivity sensors are dc capable, co-located with thermistors, and nearly immune to biologic fouling, we are able to compute the density ratio, R sub( rho ), from salinity and temperature gradients as the chain crosses isopycnal surfaces. Observations are made of numerous microstructure patches that are shown to be active salt-fingering and others that are not associated with double-diffusion. Three tows (duration of about 20 h) within varying environments described as Deep-Homogeneous, Shallow-Homogeneous, and Frontal have been analyzed to describe the characteristics of the microstructure and its relation to the temperature-salinity finestructure a...