Observational evidence that the deep ocean is mixed at the ocean boundaries is slowly mounting. However, the physics of the processes involved is far from clear. Work is beginning at COAS to develop new means to obtain systematic and comprehensive measurements of deep ocean turbulence and internal waves.
A
deep towed body (MARLIN) has been tested on several engineering cruises
off the Oregon coast. It is outfitted with a full suite of turbulence sensors
and acoustic Doppler velocity profilers to measure the velocity signature
of high vertical wavenuimber internal gravity waves.
DeepCham
is a deep autonomous profiler, now being designed for 150 profiles from
surface to the ocean bottom. Onboard sensors include turbulence and velocity
sensors. A communication link is established each time it surfaces and
position and other data relayed via satellite to shore.
