SUMMARY OF COAST FLIGHT 9

Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 08:49:38 -0400
From: John Bane
Subject: COAST Flight Report - June 23

COAST Flight Number 9 was flown on June 23, 2001. This flight was the first of a series of near-weekly surveys we intend to conduct during the period between major COAST cruises. (We attempted this survey on June 21, but low clouds prevented us from making measurements, except along a portion of Big Box Line 2.) Lines 2, 4, 6, and 8 were flown, and measurements were made of: SST, ocean color, and ocean subsurface temperature; atmospheric winds, temperature and humidity. Measurements began on Line 2 about 1400 PDT and were completed on Line 8 about 1800 PDT.

AXBTs were deployed as follows:

Line 2: 6 AXBTs
Line 6: 7 AXBTs

Vertical sections of meteorological variables were made on lines 4 and 8, extending from 60 m to 800 m altitude. These sections showed westerly to northerly winds with speeds typically less than 10 knots throughout. Little vertical shear was observed, consistent with the nearly constant atmospheric potential temperature seen on all four survey lines. Once again we saw numerous slicks on the ocean surface, as the winds were low. We also saw another set of bands of shading on the ocean's surface over Heceta Bank, presumably due to a group of internal waves.

(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 24, 2001