Welcome to NOPP-BBLE (Bottom Boundary Layer Experiment)
Introduction
A primary task of this years Coastal Predictive Skill Experiment
is to improve forecasting capabilities though
stronger modeling efforts of the complex structure of surface and
bottom boundary layers. In order to provide reliable forecasts, prognostic
models must be physics-based, which requires a strong theoretical grasp of the
relevant dynamical
processes active in the coastal ocean verified through process-oriented field studies.
A very important dynamical process is vertical transport due to turbulence.
During storms, the entire water column over most of the shelf can be filled with
turbulent boundary layers, so the need for physics-based modules verified through
experiments to describe the dynamic and kinematic features of boundary layers in
large-scale circulation models becomes critical.
In conjunction with the goals of this years experiment, the purpose of the NOPP-BBLE is to develop an efficient
bottom boundary layer subroutine for use in the forecast system, and to
continue to improve our understanding of boundary layer micro-structure using a suite of
state-of-the-art autonomous survey vessels and fixed monitoring elements.
Tasks
The specific tasks of NOPP-BBLE are to:
1) Develop an accurate and efficient bottom
boundary layer module to be integrated into the forecasting
system well before the summer experiment begins. This phase of the experiment has
been completed (Styles and Glenn, in prep.).
2) Field validation of the turbulence REMUS downward looking ADCP through
comparisons with fixed ADCP at Node A. (Planned for 1st or 2nd week of July-99)
3) Survey the micro-topography of an approximately 500 by 500 m2
patch of the ocean floor near Node A using a side-scan sonar REMUS.
(Planned for 1st or 2nd week of July-99)
4) Perform turbulence REMUS constant altitude fly-overs to
map the spatial micro-structure of the bottom boundary layer above the patch.
5) Play with recently purchased LISST.
Data Sets
Laser In-Situ Scatterning Transmissometer