Analysis of Subsurface Velocity Data from the Arctic Ocean

Abstract : LONG TERM GOALS. The long term goal of this work is to document the characteristics of the subsurface velocity field in the Arctic Ocean and investigate the dynamics which determine those characteristics. OBJECTIVES. The specific objectives are (1) to determine whether low-frequency (sub-inertial) currents play a role in modifying the parameters of near-inertial internal waves found over the Yermak Plateau, and (2) to document the regional and temporal variability of internal waves, tides, and eddies in the Beaufort Sea. APPROACH. Subsurface velocity data spanning the upper 250 m of the water column were obtained from two special purpose, Arctic drifting buoys (Honjo et al., 1990; Krishfield et al., 1993). Velocities were measured with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) suspended at a depth of about 10 m below the buoy with their transducers facing downwards. One buoy drifted over the Yermak Plateau and the other made a partial circuit around the Beaufort Gyre.