New England Shelf/Slope Experiment : February to August, 1976 : data report : the moored array

Abstract

The New England Shelf/Slope Experiment (NESS76) was conducted from February to August in 1976 over the continental margin south of the New England coast. The initial objective of the experiment was to examine the kinematic and dynamic coupling of the low frequency oceanic motions between the outer New England shelf and the deeper slope/rise regions; and in particular, to monitor simultaneously the current, temperature, and bottom pressure fluctuations across the New England continental margin. The field program contained several components: (1) a six-month moored array to monitor current, temperature, and bottom pressure; (2) two hydrographic cruises conducted around the moored array; (3) a collection and synthesis of the synoptic meteorological data; and (4) detailed bathymetric surveys conducted around the deeper moorings. The two hydrographic cruises were conducted during May 11-21 and August 12-23 of 1976, and the initial results from the cruises have been reported elsewhere by Limeburner, Vermersch, and Beardsley (1978). Only the moored array and the meteorological data will be presented here.