Overview of Project

P.I.: Scott M. Glenn, Rutgers University

TITLE:In situ observations of coastal upwelling and sediment transport in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Project Objectives: The long-term objective of the Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Modeling and Observation Program (COMOP) is the construction of a real-time observation and modeling system to study coastal ocean processes. Current applications focus on the Middle Atlantic Bight with the immediate scientific objectives of summertime coastal upwelling and storm sediment transport. The specific objectives of this proposal are:

1. Maintenance of the Long-term Time-Series Observations at LEO-15;
2. Real-Time Observations of Summer Upwelling Events;
3. Seasonal Sediment Transport Observations During Storms; and
4. Configuration of the BASS System for Coupling to the LEO-15 Fiber Optic Cable.

Summary of Research: The proposal research continues the critical NURP funded observational core of COMOP at Rutgers' Ecosystem Observatory (LEO-15). The real-time observation network includes satellite remote sensing, meteorological, shipboard and in situ datasets combined in a geographical information system for visualization and interpretation. All datasets are contributed to the LEO-15 long-term data archive and are used by numerous investigators both internal and external.

The long-term time series will be maintained using existing S4s, an ADCP and a thermistor string. The real-time satellite and meteorological data will guide rapid response surveys of upwelling events to provide subsurface data for a proposed modeling effort and to aid in the placement and timing of additional in situ sampling. The full water column response to storms will be monitored with an intense, multi-institutional, vertical sensor array under a variety of seasonal conditions. Finally, the existing Benthic Acoustic Stress Sensor (BASS) system will be modified for efficient long-term deployments interfaced to shore via the LEO-15 fiber optic cable.