SUMMARY OF COAST FLIGHT 7

Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:02:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: JOHN M BANE
Subject: COAST Flight Report - June 12

COAST Flight Number 7 was flown on June 12, 2001. This flight covered the Big Box from south to north. Measurements were made of: SST, ocean color, and ocean subsurface temperature; atmospheric winds, temperature and humidity. AXBTs were deployed on lines2, 4, 6 and 8, and vertical sections of meteorological variables were made on lines 3, 5 and 7. Measurements began on Line 8 about 1300 PDT and were completed on Line 2 about 1800 PDT.

AXBTs were deployed as follows:

Line 8: 6 AXBTs
Line 6: 7 AXBTs
Line 4: 6 AXBTs
Line 2: 6 AXBTs

The AXBT data showed a relatively level thermocline on each cross-shore section, consistent with the weak winds during the preceeding couple of days. SST profiles showed surface waters throughout the area to be in the 13-14 C range. Little spatial variation was observed.

Vertical atmospheric sections showed northwesterly winds near 10 knots throughout the lower 800m over the entire Big Box. Little vertical shear was observed, consistent with the nearly constant atmospheric potential temperature seen throughout the flight.

We saw numerous slicks on the ocean surface, as the winds were low. Another striking feature we could see visually was a set of bands of shading of the ocean's surface. These were seen over Heceta Bank and are believed to be due to internal waves. The features were not slicks, as are often generated by internal waves, but we believe they are due to variations in the upper-ocean color content due to the upper-layer thickness variations resulting from the internal waves. We have a few digital photos of these features and will make them available to interested COASTers.

(Disclaimer - These descriptions are from looking at computer graphical displays while aboard the aircraft, and closer inspection of post-flight data products will provide more accurate conclusions, some of which may differ from statements here.)

Data products will be available from http://www.marine.unc.edu/cool/COAST or they may be retrieved from the real-time results or 4-days-plus results areas. All of these are buttons off of the main COAST site.

Submitted by:
John Bane
June 14, 2001